Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 (07) 866 2090 - [email protected] Circulation 8,200 McClinchy Cup champions!

History was made on Saturday last week when the Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins rugby team became for the first time ever the sole holders of the McClinchy Cup by beating Thames 12 - 10 in the 2021 Thames Valley Rugby Union club championship final. It was only the third time that the Mercury Bay Senior A team reached the final. With unrelenting wind and rain, the game was played in the most difficult circumstances imaginable. In 2015, the Bay shared the cup with Waihou after a draw in the final. This time was different. The cup will be displayed in the Mercury Bay trophy cabinet for a full 12 months. The emotion among players and supporters were visible when the final whistle went on Saturday. It was undoubtedly one of the proudest moment in the long history of a very proud club. Read the full story on page 39.

Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz In the strongest position yet The Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust’s reaction following the Health Select Committee of Parliament’s response to the petition to have a rescue helicopter based in Whitianga over the busy holiday periods. The Health Select Committee of Parliament consider at what point additional ambulances, In a statement addressing the Select Committee often winding roads, and with communities is encouraging all parties involved in including a rescue helicopter stationed in response, the CRHT says discussions have that are subject to large seasonal variations providing emergency medical care to the Whitianga, would be deemed appropriate. been underway with NRHL for some time in population.” Coromandel Peninsula to sit around the table The recommendation was made by the already to try and establish a pathway The committee members pointed out and work out a plan for ensuring the area is committee members in their formal response forward. “The Select Committee’s response that the needs of the Coromandel must be adequately serviced, particularly during peak to a petition for a rescue helicopter to be is promising,” the statement, signed by all the considered within “a wider context”, including holiday times. reinstated on the Coromandel over the summer trustees, reads. “…an integrated system of road and air The National Ambulance Sector Office period and other busy holiday weekends, In its response, the Select Committee ambulance services which ensures the delivery (NASO), St John, Northern Rescue Helicopter and a verbal presentation by Whitianga acknowledged “…the complexity of of timely and clinically appropriate emergency Limited (NRHL), the Coromandel Rescue residents Stephan Bosman (the petitioner), delivering road and air ambulance services care” and “...a wider regional network of air Helicopter Trust (CRHT) and the Waikato Walter Russell and Kevin Pringle. The petition in regions like the Coromandel, with widely ambulance services which ensures timely District Health Board are being urged to was signed by more than 46,000 people. dispersed populations separated by rural and responses and equitable access across the

The Whitianga-based trustees of the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust in the trust’s helicopter hangar on Saturday last week - John Stephenson (left), Merv George (chair - centre) and Walter Russell. The other trustees of the trust are Jennie Turner (Tairua), Doug Walters (Whangamata), Andrea McCartney (Thames) and Nigel Strongman (Coromandel Town).

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 21 July to Wednesday, 28 July - The Moon is a help this week to locate Jupiter and Saturn which are now rising mid-evening and make a lovely pair high overhead in the late evening, with Jupiter the brighter of the two. Venus is a brilliant sight low in the NW dusk sky. Several good International Space Station (ISS) passes this week too, all in the early morning. Thursday, 22 July - Venus sits right next to Regulus with Mars just below it in the evening twilight sky. A bright ISS pass starts at 6:34am near Jupiter. Friday, 23 July - The ISS pops out from the Earth’s shadow at 5:49am next to Jupiter. Saturday, 24 July - The full Moon sits just Astronomy Tours and B&B above Saturn. Sunday, 25 July - The Moon is now between Saturn and bright Jupiter. The ISS again pops out from the Earth’s shadow at 5:53am in the south. Monday, 26 July - Jupiter sits just above the Moon with much fainter Saturn above. Tuesday, 27 July - The Moon now Phone (07) 866 5343 lies below Jupiter with fainter Saturn about the same distance higher up. www.stargazersbb.com

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Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 In the strongest position yet wider populations it serves.” now opened the door for them to directly In addition to encouraging all emergency engage with all stakeholders about improved care stakeholders to enter talks, the Select emergency care on the Coromandel. “We are Committee also encouraged “...NRHL to about to start the process to get everyone to continue to work with the CRHT to explore meet together,” the statement says. “One of the options which ensures the best coverage of topics on the agenda will be additional funding the Coromandel for air ambulance services, to NRHL. While that process is ongoing, we as well as to develop a shared understanding will continue to work with NRHL and the of the circumstances under which NRHL Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (a 50 would consider permanently basing an air percent shareholder in NRHL), with whom ambulance in Whitianga during the peak we have always enjoyed a close friendship, holiday season.” to see what is required for NRHL to employ Discussions between NRHL and the additional helicopter crew without a funding CRHT have started early last year already. commitment from NASO. That may well “In January this year, NRHL based a involve an ongoing financial commitment helicopter in Whitianga on a trial basis,” from the Coromandel. the CRHT statement says. “Unbeknown to “A financial commitment is nothing new. many, the helicopter was crewed by staff The people of the Coromandel have for more sacrificing some of their annual leave. than a decade been extremely generous in their “The outcome of the trial was that NRHL support of an air ambulance service.” is in clear need of a third rescue helicopter The CRHT undertakes to keep the people (in addition to the two they are contractually of the Coromandel updated with regard to the obliged to base at Ardmore Airport south of Auckland) over the busy holiday periods. negotiations. “The petition was a resounding The demand for their services continues to grow. success and put the people of the Coromandel They deem Whitianga the most appropriate in the strongest position since the campaign location for such a third helicopter. However, to have a rescue helicopter returned to they cannot rely on their staff to continue to Whitianga started more than three years ago,” sacrifice their holidays to crew a third helicopter. the statement reads. “We would like to say “As a result, the primary request Stephan a heartfelt thank you for all the support we Bosman, Walter Russell and Kevin Pringle have received to date and we ask everyone to made in their verbal submission to the Health remain generous. It is winter and there is no Select Committee was for NASO to make rescue helicopter in the hangar in Whitianga additional funding available to NRHL to at the moment, but we are still being served by employ what is called ‘surge capacity staff’. an outstanding air ambulance service. NRHL is of the view that the equivalent of “Your continued support will not only two to four extra full-time crew members will enable the service to continue to fly, but may be sufficient.” well contribute to seeing sooner rather than Addressing the future, the trustees of the later a rescue helicopter based back on the CRHT say the Health Select Committee has Coromandel when it is needed the most.”

Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Former serviceman’s fatal dash was driven by heartbreak

Meghan Hawkes uncovers another unique story about the characters who now rest in the Mercury Bay Cemetery and our other local graveyards. William Wilson was penniless, This was likely the son, the with scarcely a shoe on his feet. senior CA Harris being the The 56-year-old Scotsman had one who owed the wages and been employed at the Whangapoua the target of William’s threats. mill of CA Harris and Son, but the CA Harris told William that work was finished and William, the contractor he worked for along with several others, was in debt, so would pay him had headed to Mercury Bay. nothing. William then made William was owed a his fatal dash down the wharf. considerable amount in wages William’s unpaid wages from the mill and frequently were about £25, the loss of declared that he would kill his which triggered the sad end of former employer for cheating him a once proud and strong man. and then jump into the river. His William had been in New mates did not take much notice Zealand for more than 20 of his threats which continued as years. He had formerly served they all sat on the verandah of the in the 58th (Rutlandshire) Mercury Bay Hotel on a Saturday Regiment of Foot, also known in February 1878. Around as the Steel Backs because of 4:00pm, William suddenly got their lack of concern about up, ran down the wharf and floggings. The regiment had jumped into the river. Horrified, The Whangapoua Timber Mill. Photo courtesy of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. been deployed to New Zealand Mr McMahon, landlord of the hotel, sent in March 1845 to serve during the Flagstaff his servant girl to fetch the police. He then without success. William was taken back dinner, drinking, but quite rational. He was Wars in and around the Bay of Islands. attempted to follow William in his boat, to the Mercury Bay Hotel where an inquest also seen lying drunk on a bench in the bar The regiment was also active in fighting but it had no rowlocks. found that he had drowned himself due to room of Carina’s Whitianga Hotel. Robert a fire that broke out in Auckland. When Constable O’Reilly and Donald temporary insanity brought on by loss of Harkins and Henry Harris, bushmen, the 58th left New Zealand in November McPherson, local butcher, arrived in a money and too much drink. noticed that William seemed broken- 1858, some of the men elected to settle boat and picked William up about 400 William’s last days had been melancholy hearted about losing his money. permanently in New Zealand, William yards above the wharf. The tide was and strange. He came and went from It transpired that the last man to speak being one of them. flowing strongly as they hauled William McMahon’s Mercury Bay Hotel, staying to William was CA Harris who had come William is buried at Mercury Bay into the boat. They tried to revive him a night here and there, sometimes having over from Whangapoua with all the men. cemetery in a grave now unmarked.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 Opito Bay residents unhappy with possible “reclassification” of beachfront reserve By Tony Stickley

Opito Bay residents say they have been left in the dark over Thames-Coromandel District Council’s plans for the future of Jack Mills Reserve which sits right on the beach, giving rise to fears the land will be built on. At their meeting on 22 June, councillors approved an investigation into “reclassifying” the reserve for possible disposal which would include public consultation. The residents say their previous submissions against reclassification have been ignored by TCDC and are upset that the proposal even made it into council’s newly adopted Mercury Bay Reserves Management plan in the first place. To date, council does not appear to have stated publicly what is behind the possible reclassification, which has given rise to widespread fears within the community that disposal will mean the land could be sold to a residential property developer. However, following inquiries from the Informer, TCDC moved to alleviate the residents’ concerns, stating that the reserve could not be used for housing purposes. “It’s not possible to reclassify reserve land as residential, which may help allay some of the worries and concerns of residents,” council said in a statement. Allan Tiplady, (now-retired) TCDC Area Manager North, said, “The Reserve Management Plan provides for the future of the reserve to be considered. This will be done and reported to the [Mercury Bay] Community Board and will include the comments and response received from the community.” John and Sue Reece, whose home sits on Black Jack Road, overlooking the land, said that the reserve was donated to the community by a local farmer, Skipper Chapman, as part of a subdivision many years ago. “When Skipper did the original subdivision, he gifted two reserves as part of that subdivision, Skippers Road Reserve and Jack Mills Reserve,” said John. Opito Bay residents, John and Sue Reece, are concerned reclassification “However, over time TCDC has started looking at both of them for of Jack Mills Reserve may result in the land being built on.

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 “Reclassification” of reserve rezoning with a view to selling them off.” growing and green spaces will become more “We learned in February that council was and more important as time goes by.” thinking about selling Jack Mills Reserve and Next door neighbours, Morgan Morris at the time they were asking for submissions,” and Stefan Frew, said in their submission said Sue. “Many residents submitted on the to council, “We have recently been advised proposal, giving reasons as to why they didn’t TCDC are considering reclassifying Jack want the reserve reclassified, but our views have Mills Reserve directly in front of our section been ignored. We have emailed TCDC asking for the purpose of being able to sell it. We will for information as to what they intend to do do everything in our power to stop this and with the land, but they have not responded.” will without hesitation pursue legal action to The couple said that while many people in prevent this from happening.” Opito Bay are objecting to the proposal, five By way of clarification, TCDC’s statement nearby properties, including their own, were also said, “It’s not possible to reclassify directly affected. “We are upset because it is reserve land as residential, which may help supposed to be a reserve, meaning a green allay some of the worries and concerns of space,” said John. “That is exactly what it is residents. If a council decision is made under used for now. It is used by children to play, the provisions of a Reserves Management by picknickers, both summer and winter, and Plan to change its use as a reserve, it is used for additional parking because the we would need to revoke its classification roads are too narrow to park on. under the Reserves Act which requires public “The rescue helicopter lands there in notification. This would be an opportunity emergencies, big trucks use it for turning for the public to understand our position and because the road is too narrow to turn around. intentions, to support or object to the planned It is used for additional boat parking in the revocation and then any final decision would summer. In addition, if it goes into private also require approval from the Minister of hands, it will severely restrict access to the Conservation. adjoining Department of Conservation/ “[Jack Mill Reserve] is clearly an important Crown reserve.” piece of land to some residents and we’ll Sue added that the reserve is not only make sure everyone’s views on its value and important to the landowners in the area, but benefits are heard, understood and reported also for the general public as a recreational to the Mercury Bay Community Board if we facility. “It is one of the few reserves in Opito do move ahead with considering a change of Bay with shade,” she said. “Opito Bay is classification.”

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Gold Stars and 125 years celebrated at Coromandel Town Volunteer Fire Brigade By Tony Stickley

Top Fire and Emergency New Zealand family moved to Coromandel Town in 1954 guys,” said John, who is now tee-total and has festivities on Saturday evening. John said members from around the country descended when he was two years old, so he feels he been for the past decade. “Drinking in those that some of the crew laughed at him because on Coromandel Town on Saturday last week can call himself a local. He started with days was a big part of the culture of being for his farewell-do on Saturday, he chose to celebrate a combined 100 years of service the brigade at 17, but he confesses that his a fireman and I enjoyed it. It was a bit like to celebrate with an afternoon tea instead by three of the town’s firefighters and to mark intentions weren’t entirely honourable. the Wild West, but I personally don’t drink of drinks. the 125th anniversary of the founding of the In those days the legal age for drinking in a at all now and the whole drinking culture in But there were other, more important Coromandel Town Volunteer Fire Brigade. pub was 21, but the fire station had a beer the fire service has changed and that is the reasons than the chance to engage in a bit The festivities started in the afternoon and fridge for the crews to relax. message now.” of underage drinking that attracted John to carried on into the evening “I thought it was a pretty good opportunity A plumber by trade, John’s retirement from become a fireman. “It was just a natural thing Greg Christensen and Kelvin Wirihana- to have a drink and maybe a bit cunning, the Coromandel Town Volunteer Fire Brigade to do,” he said. Tawake received their Gold Stars for 25 but it put me four years ahead of other young became effective following conclusion of the “A lot of us young jokers joined at the same years’ service while Chief Fire Officer John Walker got a rare “double gold” star for a remarkable 50 years as a firefighter. There have been only around 200 double gold stars handed out in the history of the New Zealand fire service. John’s nephew, Darren Walker, a station officer at the brigade, said that what made his uncle’s award so special was that all 50 years were served with the Coromandel Town brigade. “For a guy to dedicate 50 years to one organisation in the community is absolutely amazing - that is absolute dedication and he has been the chief for 33 years as well.” While John said he was “humbled” by the attention, what made him most proud was the presence of his son, Aaron, a pharmacist at Middlemore Hospital, along with the rest of his family, to see him receive his double gold star. Among the glitterati of attendees at a grand reception at the Coromandel Area School hall to honour John’s and his two colleagues’ achievements were the Fire and Emergency Photo left - Coromandel Town Chief Fire Officer John Walker (left) receiving a commemorative plague from New Zealand national commander, Kerry Gregory, national commander of Fire and Emergency New Zealand for 50 years’ service as a firefighter. Kerry Gregory. Photo centre - John Walker presenting Senior Fire Fighter Greg Christensen with his 25-year gold star. John, 68, was born in Papakura, but his Photo right - John Walker presenting Senior Fire Fighter Kelvin Wirihana-Tawake with his 25-year gold star.

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

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Gold stars and 125 years time. Some of the members of the brigade John remembers a house fire resulting in were getting older and we had connections an insurance claim where the fire service with them. Remember, it was only a small got dragged into the High Court case, town and where we worked during the day he personally receiving “obnoxious” letters was very close to the fire station, so we could from the owner. run down if there was a call-out. I guess it The case was thrown out by the judge, was just being part of the community and but the owner then turned his sights on the being engaged in it.” fire service. “It doesn’t matter how much John, who was awarded a Queen’s Service good you do, someone is always going to be Medal for services to the community in 2012, dissatisfied,” said John. said that helping others was a very rewarding He hoped his legacy would be to be experience, not just for him but for everyone remembered as a caring fireman who took the in the brigade. For him, the best way to help responsibility of his position very seriously. was not to get emotionally involved in the It is a legacy which has a lot of history and tragedy of a fire or an accident, but to get tradition behind it. The Coromandel Town on with the job he was trained to do in a Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded in 1896 professional way. following a fire which destroyed the Star and “People remember the faces of the people Garter Hotel and the adjoining Gold Condor who came to comfort them and help them Hotel, leaving a Salvation Army officer dead. get over their devastation, but they don’t A new fire station was built in 1985, buta remember the people who put the fire out,” replica of the old one sits behind the new said John. station, complete with a 1934 Leyland Cub “I am as soft as anyone, I am like a fire engine. marshmallow on the inside, but I can John said the fire engine was still in use honestly say I have never cried at a fire. I stay when he joined in 1971, but when they got detached, personally. You get on and do your a new appliance at the end of that year, job and ignore the emotional side of things, the Leyland Cub was taken out of service and and concentrate on what you have to do - went to MOTAT on loan before eventually making sure help is on the way, making sure being brought back to Coromandel Town on the helicopter is coming and there is a place the centenary of the brigade. for it to land. “Sometimes it goes to Whitianga for events “Doing what we are trained to do is the best such as a funeral services, but it goes on the way to help people. You are not being cold. back of a transporter,” said John. “It is still You can go home and sleep well, knowing roadworthy, but it is pretty fragile. It is good you have done your best.” to have such a strong link with the past.” But sometimes, it appears that doing your John is now looking forward to spending best is not good enough for some people, more time pottering about his home and which can leave a bad taste in the mouth. garden, and going out fishing.

Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Recruitment underway for SeniorNet Update Coromandel’s vaccine roll-out By Mavis Hicks Preparations are continuing for the mass roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Coromandel population with the recruitment of administrators to both coordinate bookings and carry out Last week, we held our pre-term Open Day. SeniorNet Whitianga regularly updated reception duties at vaccination sites. Members renewed their subscriptions and on there. Emails will still go out as usual, The Waikato District Health Board has advertised for admin staff to work rostered shifts, former members re-joined. We have also but the Facebook page will be available to including some weekends, initially for a three to six-month fixed term, although this may had a good number of new members joining non-members. This will include each term’s be extended depending on how the programme progresses, with other unknowns such as us, which was very pleasing. An excellent items of interest, each term’s schedule and the possibility a third jab will be required also a factor. Four to five administrators will be event all round. Our new schedule for the What’s On, which is a breakdown of the recruited initially for the Thames-Coromandel area, but may change based on demand and pace coming term is finished. We have listened content of classes. of delivery. to members’ comments and included more We are keen to start more interest groups. The government’s stated goal is that every eligible New Zealander will be offered a vaccine by one-on-one sessions. This is where a member These will be for specific fields and will meet the end of the year, with the pace of the roll-out expected to gain speed in late July as large can register to have a computer problem regularly, but not necessarily weekly, to work shipments of the Pfizer shots finally arrive. addressed with the undivided attention of a together on projects and problem-solving. tutor. Appointments must still be booked and The SeniorNet Whitianga committee would Previous administration or reception experience, computer skills and the ability to pick up new the problem must be stated so the appropriate systems quickly, excellent communication skills, a good phone manner and the availability welcome topic suggestions. tutor can be available. Our next genealogy workshop will be on to work a range of shifts either full or part-time are among the criteria for the positions. Cheques are now becoming obsolete and Responsibilities will include maintaining and updating all electronic patient management Tuesday, 10 August from 11:45am to 1:45pm. there is an increasing need to be familiar Michelle Patience will lead the workshop systems, responding to patient enquires relating to appointments and scheduling patients with internet banking. We have scheduled for vaccination. on the Ancestry website. Michelle has a in another internet banking workshop on huge reputation and knowledge regarding “We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds with the necessary capability… Wednesday, 25 August. There will be more genealogy and is always interesting. Even to apply and would like to encourage applicants who have a Māori world view,” the DHB says. about this workshop in next month’s column, if you use a different programme, there are meanwhile note the date. The Health Board is also currently recruiting vaccinators along with several kai manaaki who aspects of the content that are transferable. There is a Microsoft update scheduled for will have a dedicated focus on the care and needs of people coming through the vaccination For class suggestions, information and to later this year and more info about changes to centres. Applicants for kai manaaki roles must have an excellent understanding of tikanga register for classes and workshops, please the earlier editions will be released. It looks Māori, have cultural and lived experience supporting others and be comfortable in Māori phone Lorna on like that will be about support that will be communities. cancelled plus other changes. (027) 486 0150 More information is available at www.waikatodhb.health.nz/jobs/vacancies/covid-19- Our Facebook page is now online and (mornings only vaccination-workers/. we intend to have information regarding please). The DHB says vaccination bookings for Group 4, which includes the majority of the population, will start on 28 July, beginning with those aged 60 years and over. The next age band will be those 55 years and over who will be able to book from 11 August, with the remaining age bands added gradually until October when it is anticipated the vaccine will be available to everyone from aged 16 upwards. Once you become eligible you can be vaccinated any time, there is no cut off. Vaccination centres will be located in Whitianga and Thames with Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki The members of SeniorNet Whitianga also operating a mobile vaccination clinic serving other communities on a three-weekly basis. meet at the Whitianga Social Services Building at 2 Cook Drive.

Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Garage sale helps fund new Museum Musings equipment at Tairua kindy

New volunteers are needed to help steer our future with a strategic plan being the first future direction steppingstone. The Mercury Bay Museum is governed If you are interested in joining the Trust by a Trust that was created in 2004. Board on this exciting journey or would The Trust Board is made up of members of just like more information, please contact our community who have collective skills and the secretary at mbmuseum.trustboard@ an interest in what the museum is all about - yahoo.com. We are also working on an exciting preserving our heritage for our community venture that will allow our community to be now and in the future. able to support the museum and the work that Three of the positions on the board are filled we do to preserve our heritage so keep an eye by nominees from Ngāti Hei, the Mercury out for that in the near future. Bay Historical Society and the Whitianga A reminder that our new exhibition space, Lions, all of which are currently filled. “Our Local Stories”, is now open and However, the Trust Board is on the lookout currently features Gumtown School 125, for anyone in our community who has a genuine interest in the Museum, not only in celebrating 125 years of learning and the terms of its role as a heritage repository and important role of the school in what is now tourist attraction, but also how it can function the Coroglen community. A selection of items New seedlings, DIY and dance parties on the grass are all on the agenda at Central Kids as a sustainable business entity. from the exhibit are pictured below. Kindergarten Tairua following last Saturday’s garage sale fundraiser which managed to tempt The Board is embarking on an extensive Rebecca Cox a steady stream of bargain hunters despite the stormy weather. journey of planning for the Museum’s Mercury Bay Museum Manager Kindy staff and whānau organised the event and head teacher, Bridget Crossley, says the donations of items for sale came thick and fast. “We have the most incredible community,” she says. “People were coming in every day this week to drop of stuff for us to sell, we are so incredibly grateful for everyone’s kindness and generosity.” The main goal of the garage sale was to raise funds for new equipment. “We had three things on our list,” Bridget says. “The main one is gardening equipment, in particular gloves and masks because our tamariki are really keen on planting seeds. Many of them already bring a lot of knowledge in from home and are eager to share it with us by helping us grow our own plants which we can then plant in our veggie gardens and around our community.” Also on the shopping list are a cordless drill for carpentry and construction projects and an outdoor speaker. “We love dancing out on the grass at kindy, we have a lot of dance parties, so we need to get a bluetooth speaker outside for our music,” Bridget says. With the rain keeping some people away, Bridget says the team will look to organise a similar event closer to summer. “We are very grateful to those who did manage to come along, despite the weather,” she says. “We always love welcoming people to Tairua kindy and appreciate the great relationships we have with our community.” Pictured are some of those who participated in the fundraiser. Back, from the left - whānau helpers Dave Beach, Nicoletta Moss, Anthony Cheung and Mark Beach. Front, from the left - Julie Meikle (customer), Bridget Crossley (Central Kids Kindergarten Tairua head teacher), Zaphia Ellery (teacher) and Debbie Tarr (teacher).

Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Coastal Charity Ball raised $2,000 for Monday Meals The organisers of Whitianga’s first Coastal coordinates Monday Meals, says 70 people Charity Ball say they were overwhelmed by are currently using the service each week. the response from the local community. “The need is out there, whether it is people Kathleen Conaghan, Janetta Wain and who are in hardship or people who have been Leonie Flower, friends who met through unwell, anyone is welcome to come and get a love of dance, came together to organise some food, we don’t make any judgements the event at the Whitianga Town Hall on 26 or ask questions,” she says. “We are here June, raising $2,000 for the free Monday to help.” Meals service provided by the Mercury The meals, which are prepared locally, Bay Community Support Trust (MBCST). can be collected every Monday from “The support was just fabulous, we were 3:00pm at St Andrew’s Community Church absolutely blown away,” says Kathleen. on the corner of Albert and Owen Streets. As well as thanking all those who “If you haven’t received a meal before, purchased tickets and assisted with the just pop along on a Monday and we’ll look planning, the organising team said they after you,” says Maureen. “We are so grateful wanted to acknowledge the following people for all the support we receive and the event and businesses for their contributions - that these ladies put on was just fabulous, The Mercury Bay Informer, Thames- the way they transformed the hall was Coromandel District Council, Pinkies, just incredible.” The Glass House Emporium, Guthrie Bowron Kathleen, Janetta and Leonie are already Whitianga, Ellars Graphics, CFM, Kathleen planning a similar event for next winter, and Kelvin Conaghan, Autopoint Whitianga, but with a new theme. “It will be the ‘Coastal Countdown Whitianga, Liz and Mike Sims, Christmas Charity Ball’ and we’ve got lots Mercury Bay Pharmacy and Stephensons of great ideas that we are looking forward to Unichem Pharmacy. sharing with everyone when the time comes,” MBCST trustee, Maureen Kerr, who says Kathleen.

Janetta Wain (on the left) and Kathleen Conaghan (on the right), two of the Coastal Charity Ball organisers, with Maureen Kerr from the Mercury Bay Community Support Trust.

Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Long-awaited Sherriff Block plan released A speedway, track motocross facility, concert venue and an outdoor entertainment space have been included in the long- awaited concept plan for Whitianga’s Sherriff Block which has just been released by Thames-Coromandel District Council. The draft design also features a nature walkway and wetlands. Existing users of the land, including the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Whitianga Sea Scouts, would remain while TCDC says there is also the potential for equestrian use and water sports. An access road will be constructed along the western boundary of the site where it borders the Whitianga wastewater treatment plant. The 28ha block at 90 Moewai Road was purchased by council in 2000 from the Sherriff family as a potential site for a sports park, and expansion of the neighbouring wastewater treatment plant as well as the Whitianga airfield. Since then, the land has been used mostly for grazing. In the interim, the Mercury Bay Multisport Park has been developed on the opposite side of State Highway 25. “There are currently no plans that require the wastewater treatment facility to expand beyond the area it currently occupies. This gives our council the opportunity to consider the community needs that have been expressed and to look at multi-use opportunities that could be implemented in this location over the next 10 years,” TCDC said in a statement. A report to the most recent Mercury Bay Community Board meeting revealed the land would be raised by three to four metres above its current level and that TCDC proposes to enter an agreement with Whitianga Waterways to carry out the development in a series of stages at no cost to council. Despite it taking years to develop and release the concept plan on Friday last week, the public has been given just two weeks to have a say in what is being proposed, with feedback to be emailed to [email protected] before 5:00pm on Friday, 30 July. Council has already agreed a Licence to Occupy with Greenstone Entertainment for a venue on the Sherriff Block for the Whitianga Summer Concert, held annually on Auckland Anniversary weekend. The concert is due to move to that location in January 2022 with details still to be announced by the promotor. Pictured is the plan as released by TCDC.

Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 A tribute to one of Whitianga’s true gentlemen “Everyone loved Raymond” could well have Noel and his wife, Nicky, opened the first been the epitaph for one of Whitianga’s true major supermarket in Whitianga in the gentlemen, Ray Hewlett, who passed away building in Albert Street where Subway is on 26 June. Mercury Bay was his home for now, with Ray working in the delicatessen and 38 years. frozen food areas. When the couple relocated Ray, who was 88, never married but an old gold miner’s cottage from Kuaotunu according to his sister, Joan, he did have “one (the little red building behind Subway in special love - this place, Whitianga”. Coghill Street), Ray, an ex-builder, developed Touching eulogies for Ray, who added it into an ice cream parlour. so much to the town through his ceaseless Noel said that Ray’s building talents were volunteer work, were read at a private in high demand around Whitianga. “He was ceremony for family and close friends at St so generous with his time and energy, and Peter the Fisherman Anglican Church. being an ex-builder, he became known as the A public celebration of Ray’s life is best handyman in town.” planned for later in the year with a Country Ray was a member of the Whitianga and Western hoedown at the Whitianga Bike Lions, participating in many of their projects. Park. “I think he would like that,” said his He worked with Noel developing the Bike brother, Noel, who managed the Bike Park Park, putting in many hundreds of hours for a number of years, with Ray doing a lot draining the swamp and clearing wasteland, of the work. “He was a great country music and when any work needed doing for the fan, so there was country-themed music at his community - such as making a Christmas service. He would have been tapping his feet wishing-well - Ray was the person everyone to the music. went to. “He did lots of jobs around town,” “Now we are planning something more said Noel. “He would just do anything for public to acknowledge his many contributions the community.” to the town. Ray helped establish the town’s Country The bike park features a “Hewlett Garden” Music Club, and enjoyed playing the guitar to mark the brothers’ work in developing the and singing. He also performed at the facility. It includes a plaque which reads, Tuesday Club drama group where he not Beloved Whitianga resident, Ray Hewlett, passed away on 26 June. He was 88 years old. “If you live without making a difference, only appeared in productions, but also had a what difference does it make that you lived?” number of backstage roles. “He was the main to be out on the course or having a drink at the building and eventually finding his true “Those words epitomise the way Ray man with the Tuesday Club for making props 19th hole, Ray was often out with other hardy home in Whitianga. “I think the Whitianga lived his life,” said Noel. “Everyone who and building things, but he was also a player souls maintaining the grounds and cleaning experience really fulfilled his life,” said Noel. knew him, knew him as a likeable chap who in the repertory company,” said Noel. “He out the streams. “Anything he joined, he was “He absolutely loved it here.” never criticised anyone - just a nice guy, acted on the stage, as did my wife and I. It was a worker and not a talker,” said Noel. Sadly, Ray suffered a stroke in 2018 and who didn’t have an enemy in the world. a good time with many happy memories.” Originally from Otorohanga, Ray was spent his remaining days in Whitianga In all my life, I never heard him say a bad Ray was also a member of the Mercury Bay initially a farmer, spending some time Continuing Care, which the family have word about anyone.” Golf Club, but while most members preferred in Australia, later turning his talents to praised for the attention bestowed on Ray.

Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Pure H2O technology in Whitianga By Tony Stickley

If pure H2O is good enough for the Royal New ready for use.” They also provide the resin-filled tanks, diversified customer base. The hospital, Zealand Airforce for cleaning the engines He said that the tanks are filled with an the resin being regerenable or recyclable, cosmetics and chemical side of their business of their eight brand-new $77m helicopters, expensive synthetic resin, which by means of which Stephanie was proud to say meant the had continued to operate while some smaller then it should be good enough for people a magnetic process, strips all the minerals out firm took its environmental obligations very firms were badly affected by the lockdowns. who want their cars to sparkle in the sunlight of the tap water. seriously. “We were very lucky through the COVID without any trace of residual water marks. Jetwash works in collaboration with James and Stephanie managed to come period, even though business dropped off Whitianga-based Jetwash Systems, neighbouring firm, Mercury Bay Engineering, through the COVID-19 lockdowns and by quite a margin because the many of our which specialises in the manufacture of which produces stainless steel chassis for the down-turn in the economy better than many business customers weren’t able to trade,” de-mineralising washing units for a range units, which James described as “works of art”. other businesses, mainly because of their Stephanie said. of industries, have sold a couple of their James and Stephanie have been in machines to the Air Force. “They use them Whitianga for about five-and-a-half years, for cleaning out the gas turbines,” said James having moved the company from Taupo, Andreae, who runs the business with his wife, but the business has been going decades, Stephanie, and two employees on Dakota having been started in North Auckland by Drive. “There is a lot of salt and dust particles James’s father, Richard, 40 years ago. in the air which get caught within the gas path At the time, Richard was supplying pure of the turbines and they have to flush them water to New Zealand hospitals, principally out with pure H2O every day.” for use in cleaning out dialysis machines. Industries and organisations which the Though dialysis technology has changed, company supplies range from the critically meaning there was now less need for pure high-spec - such as hospitals, laboratories, H2O, there continue to be many other hospital cosmetics and chemicals - down to more uses for pure water such as cleaning out run-of-the-mill, such as progressive window- medical analysers, which are used to examine washers who have done away with chamois people’s blood tests. leather and used car firms who want their James and Stephanie stepped into the vehicles to glint in the sun, not to mention business about 10 years ago, eventually mums and dads who want the family car or taking over from Richard, who passed away boat or the windows of their home to gleam two-and-a-half years ago. with pride. And while they use the same technology Jetwash claims to be the only company in as James’s innovative father, they have New Zealand manufacturing such de-ionising expanded the business to cater for other units, using a process of producing pure H2O critical cleaning requirements. “We still do which is a spin-off from the technology the hospital work, but now our customer used in nuclear power cooling systems. base is anything from car yards to cosmetics “Essentially, the process that is used is called manufacturers, chemicals manufacturers, demineralisation - that is taking town tap laboratories, aircraft cleaning, window water and removing all of the minerals and washing - anywhere you don’t want a water just leaving the two elements of H2O, which mark from tap water,” said James. is an aggressive cleaning agent,” said James. The company manufactures five different “The customer just plugs the unit into sized models ranging in price from around the town water supply which runs through $1,250 to $8,000, depending on the needs of Two of the pure H20 units that were manufactured by water de-ionising tanks, producing pure H2O the customer. Whitianga-based business, Jetwash Systems.

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Unique concert will celebrate Te Reo Māori and Matariki By Anusha Bhana

Multi award-winning musician, As a result of this exceptional work, Whirimako Black, will perform a she has won and been nominated for special concert at Crossroads Church numerous awards, including Best in Whitianga this Friday, 23 July, Māori Language Album, Best Jazz at 7:00pm. Album and a Silver Scroll Award for Whirimako is one of Aotearoa’s Best Māori Composition. most respected singer-songwriters, During her career, Whirimako well-known for her soulful, sonorous has collaborated with both national voice and for being a passionate and international artists, has been a advocate for te reo Māori. guest artist on a variety of local and The concert has been organised global music projects, and performed by Whitianga local, Josephine (Jo) alongside well-known Aotearoa Kaaho (Ngāti Tuhoe), who teaches musicians including Tim and Neil te reo Māori community classes at Finn, Don McGlashan, Trinity Roots Mercury Bay Area School. and Salmonella Dub. “Inspired by Matariki and my In 2006, she was made a member mahi, I thought it was the perfect of the New Zealand Order of Merit time to host a concert in Whitianga for her services to Māori Music that celebrates te reo Māori,” says and in 2011 she received the Arts Jo. “Whirimako Black is the epitome Foundation Laureate Award. of Māori music in Aotearoa and I “It is such an honour to have truly believe that events like this can Whirimako here in Whitianga for enrich our community and help grow this one-off performance,” says Jo, appreciation and understanding of “It will be a very special and Māori culture and language.” meaningful experience for all who Originally from Ruatoki Valley, attend and a unique chance to Whirimako (Ngāti Tuhoe, Ngāti celebrate te reo Māori and Matariki. Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Tickets for An Evening with Whirimako Black are on sale now from Mercury Bay Pharmacy - “Matariki is about acknowledging Whakatōhea and Te Whānau-ā- adults $35, seniors $20 and youth $10. Doors open at 6:30pm. those who have passed, a time to Apanui) fell in love with music at a reflect and to be thankful, and a time young age inspired by her whanāu who were She studied music theory at the Sydney the band Tuahine Whaikaro, but left two to share and feast from nature’s bounty with all singer-songwriters. She was especially School of Music in 1983 and graduated with years later to pursue a solo career. whānau and friends. Next year is going to be fascinated by how music could be an important a Bachelor of Arts from Auckland University Whirimako has produced eight solo albums the first Matariki national public holiday and expression of culture. of Technology in 1997. In 1991, she formed to date, performing many of them in te reo. I cannot wait to see what that will bring.”

Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 What’s On In the next few weeks

Regular Activities Whitianga Playcentre Op-shops Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, • Social Services Op-shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street free entry. Visitors welcome. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Dog Walking Group • The Church Op-shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club • St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. 10:00am - 2:00pm. Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information. Justice of the Peace Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Mercury Bay Pickleball Club 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per Whitianga Senior Citizens Club session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. Meets Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Mercury Bay Tennis Club etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Mercury Bay Table Tennis Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Mercury Bay Badminton Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information. (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. Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Special Events Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Mercury Bay Library School Holiday Programme - Blast Off to Space Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information. Tuesday, 20 July - Lunar Landing Challenge (from 10:30am - 11:30am). Scottish Country Dancing Thursday, 22 July - Space Stop Motion Video (from 10:30am - 11:30am). Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea Bookings essential. Contact the Mercury Bay Library for more information. on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information. Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Winter Tuna Tournament Mercury Rockers Until Tuesday, 31 August. Entry fee $250 per boat. Great prizes on offer. See mbgfc.co.nz for more information. Rock ‘n Roll every Monday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. All welcome, lessons Mercury Bay Rugby Club Annual Town v Country Contest available. Phone Chris on (021) 504 246 for more information. Friday, 23 July at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Kick-off at 7:00pm. Whitianga Art Group An Evening with Whirimako Black Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for Friday, 23 July at 7:00pm at Crossroads Church, corner of Cook Drive and Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga. Doors a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. open at 6:30pm. A performance by one of Aotearoa’s most respected singer-songwriters. Tickets adults $35, AA Driver Licensing seniors $20 and youth $10, available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy. The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Andrew and Kirsten London in Concert Whitianga Menz Shed Saturday, 24 July at The Club, Woollams Avenue, Coromandel Town. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets $25, available Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel form the Coromandel Town Information Centre, phone (07) 866 8598. truck stop. All welcome.

Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Andrew and Kirsten London to Compromise on walkway perform in Coromandel Town route makes way for seawall A compromise has been agreed on the proposed location of a new privately funded seawall to protect a row of vulnerable properties on Whitianga’s Buffalo Beach Road. The Mercury Bay Community Board has agreed to recommend that Thames-Coromandel District Council approve the building of a new rock wall in front of approximately 30 properties at the northern end of the beach, replacing an existing structure (pictured) for which consent has now expired. The wall will be constructed by the residents at their own expense on council reserve land, but the project was delayed over recent months while issues of public access were resolved. In particular, there were concerns about how the wall would impact on proposals to establish an uninterrupted waterfront walkway from the Whitianga Wharf to Brophy’s Beach. The Community Board had initially maintained that the walkway should run on top of the wall. However, at their most recent meeting held on 7 July, the members of the board unanimously supported an option that would see the walk run along the seaward side of wall, apart from one 185m stretch where, due to space constraints, it will divert onto the beach via steps and the roadside via public accessways. The compromise was reached after the homeowners raised concerns about the design and construction challenges of locating a walkway on top of the wall, along with security and privacy issues. If planning consent is granted, a formal agreement will be entered into between TCDC as the owner of the reserve land and the property owners. Conditions will include ensuring the design of the wall aligns with best practice in the coastal environment and accommodates pedestrian access to the walkway. The homeowners will also fund the steps onto the beach at either end of the break in the walkway and will be responsible for the costs of maintaining the structure. Wellington-based musicians, Andrew and Kirsten London (pictured), will be performing their own brand of satirical humour at The Club in Woollams Avenue, Coromandel Town this Saturday, 24 July. The show is part of a series of “album launch” gigs promoting Andrew’s latest release, “Back to Work.” Andrew says his songs “…explore social and political themes and although humour and satire is very much to the fore, poignancy and pathos are often not far away.” He performs at festivals and events all across New Zealand and makes the occasional trip to Australia. He has released more than a dozen albums during the course of his career. His previous performances on the Coromandel were very well received. This Saturday’s show is hosted by Laughing Frog Promotions in conjunction with the Coromandel Town RSA and will be Andrew and Kirsten’s only Back to Work performance on the Coromandel Peninsula. Tickets cost $25 and are available from the Coromandel Town Information Centre (phone 07 866 8598). The doors will open at 6:30pm. Thumbs Up To all the volunteers involved in the Mercury Bay Community Support Trust for unselfishly providing every week free “Monday Meals” to those in need.

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 Letters to the Editor See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions

Dear Editor - Speeding and other traffic issues Dear Editor - Removal of and damage to heads in shame. will not obstruct the property owners’ views. around Whitianga pohutukawa at Otama Beach Shame on the members of the Otama Beach The trees that were removed and damaged I refer to the article in The Informer of 13 July The weekend before last, I was appalled to see Reserves Committee and the property owners belonged to everyone, not just a handful of about cars doing burnouts on the Whitianga the desecration of the pohutukawa trees at the who bullied and vilified those residents who wealthy homeowners. They were planted by bypass. The problem is much wider than southeastern end of Otama Beach to protect tried to stop this. Shame on the Department the community roughly 25 years ago, for the that. The amount of speeding cars around the views of a few wealthy property owners. of Conservation and the Thames-Coromandel community, on a public reserve as a buffer Whitianga is shocking. All those involved in the removal at ground District Council parks and reserves against coastal erosion, for their beauty I’ve had to call *555 several times regarding level of 32 mature pohutukawa, measuring up authority who signed off on this vandalism. and as a bird habitat. I understand the trees cars racing up and down Cook Drive, to 600mm across, the topping of 30 to 40 others They should be held accountable. were gifted to the community by Waikato Kupe Drive and Joan Gaskell Drive at night. at 1.5m, and the removal of all psuedopanax, The Otama Beach Reserves Committee has Regional Council. Sadly, it seems to be the same vehicles all the nikau and coprosma should hang their plans to replant the reserve with natives that In this time of fierce storms, myrtle rust time. Why do people need to floor it when and erosion, we should be protecting every they leave their homes? I often think about pohutukawa along our coastline. the outcomes if these drivers hit someone or If I recall correctly, the Matarangi resident someone else’s beloved pet. Just imagine the who damaged a handful of small pohutukawa worst scenario where young kids chase a ball and other natives along the beachfront late onto the road. There is honestly no need to last year, was fined thousands of dollars and speed up and down our streets. forced to contribute to the planting of other And it’s not just speeding that’s a concern. trees for the community. Where is the logic of Last week, I was driving home and it was dark. what happened at Otama Beach? TCDC needs I went to turn into Cholmondeley Crescent to explain. and heard someone hooting. It was a black If those wealthy property owners would car that was coming down Cook Drive with prefer to look at a longdrop dunny and parked no headlights on at all. In the dark and the cars over pohutukawa full of birdlife, maybe car being black, I didn’t see it until the driver Otama Beach isn’t the place for them. almost smashed into me and hooted at me. Lee Barraclough What on earth are people doing? Otama Beach Perhaps we need more Police presence at night. Or maybe more community patrol? Editor’s Note - We have passed Lee I personally would be more than happy driving Barraclough’s letter on to Thames-Coromandel the streets at night to help catch these drivers. District Council for reply. We were on Friday As former Police Ten 7 presenter, Graham last week advised that TCDC is working Bell, said, “Let’s get these low life, vermin, with the Department of Conservastion on a oxygen-sucking [people] off our streets.” response, which will during the course of this Karen Corbett Some of the pohutukawa that have been topped at the southeastern end Otama Beach. week be made available to us. We will publish Whitianga Thirty-two of the native trees have also been removed. the response as soon as it comes to hand.

Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29 Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 959

Name: ______

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

ACROSS DOWN 1. Mosquito fever 1. Drug made from 4. Eighth, ..., tenth opium 7. Abrasive pad 2. Harmony 3. Ventilates 8. Aimed 4. Average 9. Funeral vehicle 5. Wandering (tribe) 12. Profession 6. Injure 15. Negatively charged 10. All atom part 11. Minimal 17. Deep shock 13. In these times 14. Straighten again 18. Electrical units 16. Pungent clove 21. Small churches 18. Sell 22. Cotton fabric 19. Swindle 23. Hoarse-sounding 20. Scalp growth Last week’s solution

Last week’s winner - Chris Bennett

Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Tairua lifeguard named Coromandel Volunteer of the Year By Gillian O’Neill

After first getting involved with lifeguarding “It’s fantastic to see,” Sean said. “Not only are as a young nipper in 1995, Tairua Surf these kids learning how to be safe in the surf, Life Saving Club’s Sean Ridler has been we are attracting the lifeguards that we need recognised for his service and ongoing to continue to fulfil our main goal which of contribution, receiving the Coromandel course is preventing drownings at our beach.” Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2021 Surf Sean said it is his ongoing commitment to Life Saving New Zealand Bay of Plenty and this goal that motivates him to continue to Coromandel Awards of Excellence held in upskill and also transfer his knowledge to Tauranga recently. the next generation of lifeguards. “That is a Sean was acknowledged for his continued big part of it, but I also really enjoy it,” he commitment as an active volunteer lifeguard said. “I love the ocean, it’s my happy place, as well as his significant involvement with the whether that’s fishing or surfing or whatever, training and mentoring of new and developing so I relish every opportunity I have to get guards. Although delighted with the honour, out there. “I have also made so many great lifelong he said it was humbling to be singled out friends through surf lifesaving, both in Tairua given the extraordinary contributions he sees and right across the country. Some of them so many people making. “That being said, you might not see for a year or more but when receiving this particular award really means a you do, you have this instant connection lot because it is about service and for me that through being part of the surf lifesaving has always been the most important thing, community.” looking after the community and keeping Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club captain, people safe when they visit our beach,” Matt Kerr, said the club was “extremely he told The Informer. lucky, proud and honoured” to call Sean a Sean was introduced to lifeguarding by his Sean Ridler, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand’s Coromandel Volunteer of the year. clubbie. “Sean has been a member for many, father, Graeme Ridler, a founding member of for educating people about water safety. (inflatable rescue boat). My first involvement many years now,” Matt said. “He has recently the Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club who became He wanted to continue that when we started was as a nipper when I was about 12. There been giving so much of his time to help others a life member in 2015. Sadly, Graeme passed coming here to Tairua. was only one squad with around eight or 10 in the club, keep the beach safe and share his away in September last year. “Dad had been “Originally, the club grew from just a kids, so it’s incredible to see how the club has valuable knowledge.” heavily involved over at Piha,” Sean said. group of mostly surfers who wanted to help grown since that time.” Sean also received the Tairua Surf “He loved the surf, but he also understood protect the community. There wasn’t the sort To put that in context, this summer’s Lifesaving Club’s Volunteer of the Year the dangers and saw the situations that people of organisation that there is now. I think we Junior Surf Programme in Tairua had over award at the club’s annual honours held over found themselves in. He had a real passion were the last club in the country to get an IRB 130 participants across five different squads. Easter Weekend.

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 959

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. Sudoku Puzzle Instructions Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.

Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Jenny Upsall

“Rerenga kōrero o te wiki” (saying of the week) “Te ātaahua hoki o taua poraka!” - That jersey looks really good (on you)! 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 32 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Inspiration from the skies Scott’s Thoughts during busy week at MB Library By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel Six adults and nine children The Government has started a worrying attended a weaving session trend of pushing through policies without hosted by the Mercury Bay library consulting Kiwis. With this in mind, National on Monday, 12 July, to mark Party leader, Judith Collins, has called for a Matariki and the start of the Māori New Year. The session was led national debate on the many issues facing by talented local weaver, Helena the country. James, who taught the group of I am really worried about Labour’s desire avid learners how to create stars to centralise and control aspects of our and fish. Archie Hansby (pictured personal lives. It started with plans to replace below) added some colour to one district health boards and then it extended to of Helena’s stars. Meanwhile the what vehicles are legitimate. Now they’re the Thames-Coromandel District planning to regulate free speech. Being able Council libraries’ school holiday to voice your opinion is basic to a democratic programme continues this week on society. This doesn’t mean that we agree with Coromandel MP, Scott Simpson. Tuesday and Thursday mornings everything that is said, but it’s essential that where the theme is “Blast off to we are able to have free and frank discussions. four regional entities will meet the complex Space”. As the photo top right We start to head down a dangerous path when needs of our communities. The Coromandel shows, participants at the Mercury the state decides who can say what. has much different issues than Taranaki and Bay library created some amazing It’s already illegal to incite violence, Whanganui, but under these proposals we rocket launchers during one of last but Labour are proposing to lower the would be under the same authority. week’s sessions. threshold and increase penalties. Beyond Over the next few decades, the country is impinging on people’s freedoms, what’s really facing an enormous infrastructure deficit. concerning is that the Prime Minister and the It’s crucial that we chart the correct course Justice Minister lack any understanding of and begin delivering this much needed how these proposed laws will work in the investment. I simply don’t trust Labour to real world. If these proposals are enacted, get these projects done because their track we face a future where Kiwis will be afraid record is littered with mistake after mistake. to speak freely. This goes against what New Whether it’s mental health, housing or roads, Zealand stands for and the next National the Government is clueless when it takes on government will reverse any hate speech laws big projects. that will affect the freedom of speech Kiwis These and other important issues that aren’t currently enjoy. being debated are the kind of things that Another example of the government’s motivated tens of thousands of farmers around predictable “we know best” approach is the the country to take to their tractors and Utes proposed Three Waters reform. I am not last week as a measure of their frustration convinced that centralising water services into with a government that won’t listen.

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 33 Brain Teaser - Red Herring © Lovatts Puzzles

Brain Teaser Puzzles 959

Name: ______

Tel no: ______

Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner. Red Herring Instructions Fill in the gaps with letters to find the names of eight fruits or vegetables. Only eight? Yes, two of the examples are red herrings and won’t produce anything but frustration. All the answers have seven letters.

Last week’s Brain Teaser solution - Vaki Puzzle Last week’s winner - Mike Savage

Page 34 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Fishing Report Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280

Thursday, 24 June started out as just another by Nick Salkeld, second was David Brown day for local Tairua angler Julie Elliott. During (2.295kg) and third Kallum Webb (2.270kg). an early morning coffee with daughter-in-law, The heaviest trevally went to Quenton Jane Spicer, a decision was made to go for a Hayward (2.335kg), second Ian Jowett “rock hop” north of Tairua’s main beach to (1.795kg) and third Glen Strange (1.770kg). see if they could catch a snapper for our club’s The first junior was Aria Daley with a lovely Kilwell competition. A short trek of less than snapper of 6.84kg, second equal Benny and one kilometer and they were on a rock that Ardyn Holwerda with a 2.272kg snapper, Julie describes as “weedy and fishy,” despite and third Aria Bradley’s 2.230kg snapper. the water being only three metres deep on a Julie Elliot took the overall Kilwell title bright cloudless day. with a total of 12.97kg from one each of the Within minutes the first snapper, a fish of three species along with top lady angler. It was around 2.7kg was landed by Julie, followed great to see several Whitianga anglers enter by a second of 4.125kg by Jane that was the competition for the first time this year. kept only because it was gut hooked. Several There were 24 licensed shooters in the other fish were then caught and released, shooting section and 32 geese were entered. berly was running low and the last four bullet Rodney Thomsen won the heaviest goose at tuna frames were put in the water. 4.61kg, Noah Clarke got most geese with three Julie’s last bait of the day, a piper, was birds and the average weight goose was won cast and immediately grabbed by something by Warren Maher, 4.15kg. big. After a mammoth fight, Julie had a very Mark Friday 13 to Sunday, 15 August in your large snapper at her feet, her largest in over 20 diary for the Grady White Tairua Boat Show years. Normally, a fish of this quality would be held at the Tairua Marina and surrounding released, said Julie. However, she was entered areas between 10:00am and 5:00pm each day. in the Kilwell competition, so it was decided There will be over 50 exhibitors along with to bring the fish back to our clubrooms to demonstrations and workshops on diving, be weighed where, at 8.170kg, it ultimately jigging and soft baiting. Entry is $10.00. won best snapper and helped Julie take the For more information go to overall title. tairuaboatshow.com. Our month-long Kilwell competition was Our Fish of the Month for June was gurnard held from Saturday, 5 June, to Saturday, 3 July. and the prize, sponsored by Independent The 91 anglers competing weighed a total of Liquor, was won by Ron Cross with a fish of 111 fish. Tate Maxwell followed Julie in the 0.805 kg. Our Fish of the heaviest snapper category with a 6.725kg Month for July is tuna. fish and Ian Jowett was third with 6.650kg. Tight lines, Julie Elliott, winner of the Tairua-Pauanui Sports Fishing Club’s month-long Kilwell The heaviest kahawai (2.480kg) was caught Wayne Barnes competition that was held from Saturday, 5 June to Saturday, 3 July.

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 35 Sport Results

MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB to meet Willie in the final. Carrying on his good form, had had six wins and two draws, meaning the eventual Hawkes Bay. Annual Team Competition - June/July 2021 Peter took the win and the meatballs and pasta bake. outcome rested on the final round of seven games. MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Results - 1 Robyn Hogg, Bev Dickie, Bill Cummings and Willie Jones (runner-up) finished the day with two wins Mercury Bay finished the round with five wins to Thursday, 15 July Sheryll Roberts, 2 Peter Hogg, Kate Palmano, Annette and the bye. Two wins for Jason Smith, Warren Bellingham Coromandel Town’s two wins and will be the holders of Winners - Ian Pudney, Lee Pudney and Ian Sanderson. Cummings and Rose Tegg, 3 Sue Gill, Bob Schibli, Anne and Bob Haase. the Winter Cup until next year’s competition. Runners-up - Wayne McNeill, Colleen Taberner and Knowles and Val Dwight. No high break recorded. MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB Heather Walker. Winter-2 Competition Round 2 - Thursday, 15 July MERCURY BAY BOWLING & SPORTS CLUB Mid-winter Canterbury Pickleball Championships - Good Sports - Brian Codyre, Wayne Fisher and Shirley Results - 1 Geoff Jervis and Ischelle Stevenson 68.33, Winter Cup Day 2 - Thursday, 15 July Friday 16 to Sunday, 18 July Marshall. 2 Angela Cook and Larisa King 50.00, 3 Shay Geach and The competition is every year held between Mercury Bay Four Mercury Bay players - Tony Minto, Brook and Rachel MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Julie Rutledge 48.33. and Coromandel Town over two days. The first day was Johnstone, and Grant Chambers - competed in the Eighteen-hole Ladies Putting and LGU - HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB played on Thursday, 3 June. tournament, the equivalent of the New Zealand Pickleball Wednesday, 14 July Cooks Pairs Week 1 - Tuesday, 13 July After the first day, Coromandel Town held a narrow lead Championships, which was held in Ashburton. Results Division 1 - 1 Chrissie Smith 70, 2 Kay Buckeridge North/South - 1 Annette Cox and Peter Hogg 62.50, with 11-and-a-half wins to Mercury Bay’s nine-and-a- Grant had an outstanding tournament, winning gold in 77, 3 Robyn Anderson 78. 2 Sheryll Ropberts and Sue Gill 55.42, 3 Angela Butterworth half, although there was only one point between both the the Open Men’s Doubles Division with playing partner, Results Division 2 - 1 Marg Maher 77, 2 Betty Tocker 81, and Robyn Hogg 55.00. points scored and ends won. Matt Carter from Auckland, and bronze in the Open Mixed 3 Chris van Veen 82. East/West - 1 Bev Dickie and Bill Cummings 71.25, After the first two rounds of the second day, both clubs Doubles Division with playing partner, Jackie Lukies from Nearest the Pin #4 - Kim Allan, Nearest the Pin #18 - Betty 2 Barry Scott and Annette Cummings 62.92, 3 Ann Scott Tocker, Longest Putt #9 - Chrissie Smith. and Jacqui Trifunovich 46.67. Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Stableford - TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB Wednesday, 14 July Monday, 12 July Results - 1 Ken George 37, 2 Pete Maher 36, 3 Alan Hill 36. North/South - 1 Lynn Kime and Christine Meinhold 59.50, Twos - Pete Maher, Kevin Smith and Graham Eccles, 2 Robyn Waters and David Wilkinson 55.42, 3 Sue Poland Eagle - Kevin Smith, Best Gross - Pete Maher 81. and Anne Knowles 52.08. Nine-hole Ladies Putting - Thursday, 15 July East/West - 1 Doreen Wernham and Jo Feasey 59.58, Results - 1 Equal Gaylene Timms, Rose Tegg and 2 Shirley Smith and Susan Patterson 57.50, 3 Robyn Merrin James. Hunter and Liz Young 47.50. PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Nine-hole Men and Ladies L Haycock Trophy Round 2 Wednesday, 14 July of 3 Par - Tuesday, 13 July Best of three frames. Results - 1 John Hughes, 2 Equal Neil Robertson and Eight players. Veterans Brian Codyre and Peter Schultz Wayne Morrison. faced each other in the final third frame with two straight Nine-hole Men and Ladies Stableford - wines each. What a great match this was, coming down to Thursday, 15 July black to win. Brian stepped up for his shot, barrelled the Results - 1 John Hughes, 2 Brian Keucke, 3 Equal Wayne black real hard, which hit four different cushions and then Morrison and Phil Costello. dropped in a pocket for the win and the Favourites food THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB box. Those with two wins were Peter Schultz (runner-up), Eighteen-hole Men Stableford - Wednesday, 14 July Ken Gibson, Willie Jones and Wayne Bellingham. Results - 1 Stuart Arnold 38, 2 Bob Stevens 37, 3 Glenn Highest Break - Jason Smith 18. Le Lievre 35. Saturday, 17 July Twos - Peter Sharp, Nearest the Pin #18 - Peter Sharp. Best of three frames. Hole-in-one - Congratulations to club member, Murray Ten players. Willie Jones, Jason Smith and Peter Schultz (Muzza) James, who scored his third hole-in-one on the progressed to the finals with two straight wins each. difficult par 3 fifth hole. Muzza now has four holes-in-one An alley draw was done and Willie won the bye. In the Winners of the Open Men’s Doubles Division at last weekend’s Mid-winter Canterbury to his name. His other hole-in-one was scored at Te Puke semi-final, Peter was too good for Jason and went through Pickleball Championships - Matt Carter from Auckland (left) and Matarangi’s Grant Chambers. Golf Club. Quite a record.

Page 36 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices SITUATIONS VACANT TO LET

Administration Officer Coastguard Whitianga Dundas Street, Whitianga Part Time permanent role, 12 hours per week Coastguard is the charity that rescues over 6,000 New Zealanders each year and educates over 14,000 people annually about water safety. We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking person to become our administration officer and provide administrative and bookkeeping support to our unit. Key Duties • Customer service and membership communication. • Bookkeeping using Xero STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. • Website updates and social media Ph: 0800 944 660 management. STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 • Administration of Committee and AGM Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 meetings and correspondence. STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693 • Organising promotional events. • Reports on statistics for Coastguard NZ. Who we need: • Exceptional administration experience. • Proactive and forward thinking. • Easily adaptable. • Knowledge of the marine industry or boating experience an advantage. • Able to work independently. Please send your CV to the Operations Manager PUBLIC NOTICES by email - [email protected]. Closing date Sunday, 25th July

PUBLIC NOTICES

mercury bay athletics club agm Tuesday, 3 August 5:30pm at Grace O’Malleys Irish Pub back room. Current and new interested parties welcome. We need roles filled for the club to continue. All the groundwork has been done so we just need people to share the load.

Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 37 Classifieds and Public Notices FOR SALE CHURCH SERVICES WORK WANTED

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

THE CHURCH OP SHOP WINTER CLEARANCE SALE Until further notice: All ladieswear $1.00 • All menswear $1.00 • Shoes/boots $1.00 All childrenswear 50c ------Applications for funding are invited 866 4273 from local non-profit community MIKE’S MOWING groups. Please apply in writing to - $25 empty sections, Church Op Shop, fortnightly or monthly mowing. PO Box 368 Whitianga. “Serving the Whole Community’ Free edge spraying. Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 or 027 320 1703. community bus

Rubbish Removal Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags HOUSE WASHING MERCURY BAY Phone John 866 5511 Detergent Soft Wash, COMMUNITY BUS Handyman Services. For your door to door travel Phone Russell Short on to hospitals and DAVE’S DRAINAGE 866 2097 or 0273 602 937 medical-related facilities. Drainlaying, Public & Private, Public, DHB and private. 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. Waikato, Tauranga, 30 Years Experience. ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA Free Quotes or Advice. Thames Auckland. Community Church Call Dave 027 727 0348 To book phone 07 866 4993 or Albert Street, Whitianga [email protected] 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 COMMUNITY WORSHIP Advertisement sponsored EVERY SUNDAY by the Mercury Bay Club 9:30am. WANTED Come, join the family of God! Enquiries 869 5452 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz Vehicles wanted DOG GROOMING Top cash paid for any VANS, UTES, TRUCKS, 4X4s, CARS - coromandel garage doors dead or alive, damaged, For new doors, auto openers de-registered, and full maintenance mechanical problem, and repair service. no WOF - we buy it. Phone Don McLean 022 453 2188 Call 0800 333 398 HEALTH AND NUTRITION Email [email protected] www.corogaragedoors.co.nz BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH THE BEST NUTRITION Stay healthy. Mercury Bay Spouting Phone 027 947 8311 or email [email protected] THE CHURCH OF For all types of guttering and spouting HOLISTIC HEALTH JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Tony 021 505 109 INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER Everyone Welcome WORKSHOP FACILITATOR Sunday 10 am – 12 noon TAROT CARD READINGS @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga SPIRITUAL MENTOR (Community Service Bldg) CLAIRVOYANT Enquiries - 021 113 0566 VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com

All welcome Whitianga SDA Fellowship Saturday @ 10:00am Family worship Phone 022 354 4069 or 027 248 2984 IN MEMORIAM

HOUSESITTING BERNICE JANET COOPER On 26 July 2015 Wanting to housesit In memory of a loving and dedicated For September or later for 3 - 6 months wife, mother, grandma and friend. in a house or flat. References available. We miss you so very much. Phone (027) 331 9336 Rest in peace beautiful lady.

Page 38 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 959 - 20 July 2021 McClinchy Cup champions! By Stephan Bosman

A strong, unrelenting northwesterly wind the undisputed underdogs. “The weather to spare before the half-time break, the Bay Thames failed to penetrate the Marlins’ rock- and persistent rain didn’t deter many Mercury conditions were a concern to us with howling managed to get close to the Thames goal line, solid defence for a second time and when Bay supporters to make the trip to Rhodes wind and rain seemingly sent to prevent us which resulted in halfback, Josh Wirihana, the final whistle went, the reality dawned on Park in Thames to watch the Mercury Senior playing our trademark expansive game and scoring from a ruck. The try was successfully everyone - the McClinchy Cup was coming A Marlins rugby team beat Thames in the favouring the much bigger Thames forward converted by first five eight, Regan Crosland. to Whitianga. It was a moment that saw many MClinchy Cup final on Saturday last week. pack,” said Marlins coach, Don Edgecombe. With a half-time lead of 12 - 3, Mercury supporters quietly shed a tear of happiness. It was only the third time that Mercury Thames was the first to put points on the Bay confined Thames to their 22m line for Fittingly, the last word on an achievement Bay appeared in a Thames Valley club board with a penalty goal in the 12th minute. large parts of the second half. Missing a that will be remembered forever belonged to championship final. Four minutes later, with the wind from behind, couple of scoring opportunities let Thames off Don. “We have been well supported by the In 2015, the Bay drew with Waihou to share the Bay forwards drove over the Thames the hook and with 15 minutes on the clock, community this year and it was great to see the cup. This time was different, for the first goal line for an unconverted try by flanker, they managed to swing the ball wide and score so many Mercury Bay locals invade Rhodes time in history Mercury Bay became the sole Shayne Johnson. a converted try. Park and witness history being made as our holders of the cup. The Marlins managed to hold onto the A lead of only two points, 12 - 10, meant that co-captains, Regan Crosland and Connor Thames was undefeated the entire season ball for extended periods, but the wind made the last minutes of the game were going to go McVerry, hoisted the cup,” he said. “Go the and the Marlins arrived at Rhodes Park downfield kicks difficult. With only minutes by very slowly. Despite attempt after attempt, Bay!”

The two Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins co-captains, Connor McVerry (photo left) and Regan Crosland (photo right) in action against Thames on Saturday last week. The photo of Connor was taken early in the first half, while Regan’s photo was taken close to the end of the game.

Issue 699959 - 2720 July 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 39