Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000 Celebrating 125 years of learning at School By Gillian O’Neill

Families, staff and students came together on Thursday last week to mark 125 years to the day since the opening of Coroglen School. Principal, Jean Saunders, said the afternoon was about connecting the past and present, with multiple generations of families who have been part of the story joining in to share their memories. “We shared stories and pictures from the past, including recreating some photos which the Museum shared from their archives with the children practising some very serious 1896 faces,” Jean said. “Unfortunately, many of our children were still away with a nasty cold that is going through the school, but those who were here helped celebrate with cake, games and ‘old-school’ lessons. We will also be having a Jubilee celebration over Labour Weekend when our new classroom renovations will be completed and ready to be unveiled to the community.” The first school in Coroglen, then known as Gumtown, started in 1896 in an outbuilding on the Peebles family farm. As the population of Gumtown grew through the 1880s and 1890s, the number of families with children had increased and, with the nearest permanent school located in , the community petitioned the Education Board for a school and a teacher. With the teacher arriving in May, the school opened with 19 students from local Māori and Pākeha families. Although the Education Board initially deferred requests for a purpose-built school, following notice from the farmer that he would begin charging the school rent, they authorised construction of a school building in 1898 on the provision that the community secured a suitable site. Shortly after, Kate Norris agreed to sell the board two acres of her land which had previously been owned by Thomas Carina, a settler and the proprietor of the first hotel in Whitianga in the 1860s. Carina had acquired the land from Repiu Tokata of Ngāti Hei who claimed ownership by descent and occupation. Classes moved in 1899 to the new single-room school, which remains on-site today and was recently classified a Heritage Listed building. The original school was also regularly used by the wider community, particularly for church services and Sunday school. Despite the changing economic landscape, the school remained, as it does today, an integral part of the social fabric of the community. By 1921, the gum diggers were all but gone and the new farming community changed the town’s name, and by association the school name, to Coroglen. Over the years, the original school building, still referred to as the Gumtown Room, was adapted to meet changing needs. A new classroom and administration block were built in 1951/1952 and electricity arrived for the first time in 1960. In 1978, the 1950s block was extended and the old Gumtown School was no longer needed for a classroom. However, the now protected structure still stands boldly at the heart of the school, a reminder to all Then and now - students at Coroglen School recreating a photo of their of the proud 125-year history of learning at Coroglen. predecessors who attended the school 125 years ago.

Distributed throughout the , coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz Explorer team thrilled to “Borrow the All Blacks” By Gillian O’Neill Having the All Blacks in their and the business through this tough time. Despite the challenges they have faced, “Shane was a big loss, he was the heart of the corner to help steer their business through the “Thanks to our awesome team, it’s business Jess, Robyn and the team remain relentlessly business, but we have a great team of people effects of COVID-19 has been a major boost as usual with trips going out daily year-round, positive, a trait Shane was known for. “His cup around us who do an awesome job. After we for the Hahei Explorer team. weather dependent, and we know Shane would was always half full, and he was enthusiastic came out of lockdown last year, the response As one of a hundred small and medium be proud as this was a true passion for him. and optimistic and convinced everything would we had from the New Zealand public was businesses across New Zealand to benefit from Every day brings something different and it’s work out just fine,” a family friend described amazing. We had such a busy summer, Hahei ASB’s “Borrow the All Blacks” promotional really rewarding to see how much people enjoy in the eulogy delivered at Shane’s memorial was so busy. The support we had from Kiwis campaign, the local tourism operator which our tours.” service. “Robyn reckons he had mindfulness was incredible.” provides boat tours to Cathedral Cove and the Jess says Shane had also been stoked with sussed before it was ever in fashion. He had a There was excitement onboard in recent surrounding area, won a tailored advertising having the All Blacks back their business. unique ability to live in the moment and saw no weeks as the first few Australians started package, including a video and a giant “Shane was probably the biggest rugby fan of point in dwelling on the past or worrying about to show up via the trans-Tasman bubble. billboard. The massive image is located on us all and enjoyed watching games at the Hahei the future.” “We haven’t seen a huge number just yet, State Highway 25 at the turnoff to , Fire Brigade. He was particularly proud of the As the Hahei Explorer team looks to the but it feels like a positive sign of things to featuring All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown, billboard at the Pauanui turn-off.” future, Jess says the outlook remains bright. come,” says Jess. Aaron Smith and Sam Whitelock. “We’ve had a great, positive reaction from customers and other local business in regards to the campaign, lots of questions on how we managed to get marketing backing from the All Blacks,” says Jess Harnett, who helps manage the family-run business. “It was such an awesome opportunity for us to be part of.” The roll-out of the campaign coincided with a very difficult time for the Harnett family and their wider Hahei Explorer whānau with the sudden loss of Shane, Jess’s dad, who passed away in an accident on 15 April. Shane and wife, Robyn, purchased the business 15 years ago, investing a lot of time and energy in the venture and becoming an integral and much- loved part of the Hahei community. Jess, after completing university, returned to Hahei with partner, Tom Bromhead, both joining the Hahei Explorer team. Overall, the business has been running for almost 30 years. “Tom and I both love the job and lifestyle, being in the outdoors and on the water every day, and meeting a huge range of people,” says Jess. She credited their amazing staff and the local community for helping both their family Jess Harnett and partner, Tom Bromhead, say there’s a great team working hard to continue the Hahei Explorer story.

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 26 May to Wednesday, 2 June - The Moon is the star of the show as there will be a total eclipse of the Moon visible on Wednesday, 26 May. The eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, at first only through the edge, then gradually moving into the darkest part of the shadow which can often give it a distinctly reddish colour. Each eclipse is different with the redness depending on many things, including the amount of volcanic dust in the atmosphere at the time and how much cloud there is around the edge of the Earth as seen from the Moon that night. Wednesday, 26 May - The lunar eclipse occurs tonight starting from about 9:45pm with best viewing during totality from 11:11pm to 11:27pm. Saturday, 29 May - The Moon sits high above Saturn with brighter Jupiter below in the late evening. Astronomy Tours and B&B Sunday, 30 May - The Moon is now just above and to the right of Saturn with Jupiter below after midnight. Monday, 31 May - The Moon now Phone (07) 866 5343 sits just between bright Jupiter and fainter Saturn after midnight. Tuesday, 1 June - The Moon lies just to the right of bright Jupiter in the evening after midnight. www.stargazersbb.com

Whitianga and tides Tides data sponsored by

nzwindows.co.nz 4 Dakota Drive Whitianga Tel 07 869 5990

Page 2 - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 People urged to stay away from beaches for rest of the week

Prevention measures to limit further damage was the main brief for crews of Thames-Coromandel District Council staff and contractors at the Peninsula’s east coast beaches on Monday this week. The entire coastline took a battering in last Sunday’s storm which saw massive swells pound beaches and overwhelm defences, causing flooding in several areas. While the swells have eased, Civil Defence controller, Garry Towler, warned the danger had not passed and urged people to continue to stay away from beaches for the rest of this week, particularly around high tide. He said crews were working to build up sand, remove debris and ensure structures were secure, with the king tides due from Wednesday to Friday causing particular concern and likely to bring more inundation. Brophy’s Beach in Whitianga bore the brunt of Sunday’s onslaught, the adjoining State Highway 25 closed for several hours. Beaches up and down the coast have experienced huge sand shifts, although there were no reports of any homes or properties being affected. It is likely to be next week before a full assessment of the damage and the resulting clean-up bill can be completed. Pictured in the top photo are the waves on Sunday at the rock wall towards the southern end of Whitianga’s Buffalo Beach (photo by Shelley Armour). In the bottom photo is inundation at Brophy’s Beach (photo by Grant Hamilton).

Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Diversity celebrated as MBAS embraces Pink Shirt Day Mercury Bay Area School got right behind this year’s Pink Shirt Day with a core group of around 30 students who are passionate about diversity and inclusiveness driving activities, and promoting messages of acceptance and positive relationships. The self-named “E-Team” (E for Equality) was established at the beginning of this year and meet once a week to discuss issues around supporting inclusiveness and bullying awareness and prevention at school, as well as being a place for students to celebrate their own diversity. The students saw last week’s national Bully Free NZ Week, culminating in Pink Shirt Day on Friday, 21 May, as a great opportunity to promote discussion about diversity and how it underpins the values at MBAS. “Simply put, diversity is an array of people or things that are not all the same,” says Carolyn Gibbs, counsellor and Head of Kura Wellbeing at the school. “This can include age, ability, culture, appearance, religion, race, gender and sexuality to name just a few. Some of the Mercury Bay Area School students who got into the spirit of Pink Shirt Day on Friday last week. “Research shows an undeniable link between themes of diversity, marginalisation Pink Shirt Day first originated in 2007 in schools, workplaces, and communities across within our school culture, something we and bullying, and while bullying can happen Canada where a Year 10 student was being the world. MBAS also proudly flew the strive for here. Sadly, there are still pockets to any young person, it is known that some bullied and harassed for wearing pink. Rainbow flag all week as further support for of outdated ideas and stereotypes that exist are more likely than others to be targeted this Two students took a stand against this this message. out there and it is exciting to be part of an way. Groups that are particularly vulnerable homophobic-based targeting and got other “The work of our E-Team students and important movement for change.” include young people with disabilities or students to unite with them in support of the the focused curriculum and social activities The theme of Bully Free NZ Week was special educational needs, lesbian, gay, victim by buying dozens of pink shirts and last week provided a way of bringing the “He kōtuinga mahi iti, he hua pai-ā rau - bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTQI or distributing them to other students. conversation into the open,” says MBAS Small ripples create big waves” and was Rainbow) youth, and students of a culture, race This movement, and the visual support and principal, John Wright. “It gave our many about encouraging people to spread the word, or religion that differs from the main culture, solidarity it gives to the key message that it diverse groups a voice and a place to stand in take the lead and make a positive choice in race or religion at the school.” is okay to be different, is now celebrated in saying no to bullying and yes to inclusiveness relating to others.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 The Nukes are on their way The Nukes (pictured), one of Australasia’s most successful ukulele/folk acts, are Coromandel bound with performances scheduled in Whitianga, Kuaotunu and Coromandel Town before hopping south to . With more than 10 years under their belts and three compelling albums as proof of their creative endeavours, the group describe themselves as part vaudeville, part rat-pack and part musical car crash. The talented trio deliver a mix of humour and originality that audiences of all ages love. They have previously appeared at WOMAD NZ, Splore, the Auckland and Canterbury Folk Festivals, the Oamaru Heritage Festival, the New Plymouth Festival of Light, the Wanaka Festival of Colour, the Coastella Festival, the Taranaki, Southland and Hawkes Bay Arts Festivals, and the Bluff Oyster Festival. For anyone who is unfamiliar with their sound, the advice is to expect a mix of laugh-out-loud humour, magic musicianship and classic three-part harmony. They’ll play a bunch of their originally-crafted tunes, perfectly made for the ukulele, including some old favourites plus a swag of new tunes, as they work towards releasing a new album. The group’s Coromandel schedule includes performances at both Mercury Bay and Coromandel Area Schools along with three public shows - the Anglican Hall in Coromandel Town on Friday 4 June at 7:30pm, a kids show at C3 Church in Whitianga on Saturday, 5 June at 11:00am and Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu on Saturday, 5 June at 7:30pm. Sunday, 6 June will see a fourth show at the Boyd Road Theatre in Waihi at 4:00pm. Tickets are available online at Eventfinda or from Mercury Bay Pharmacy, Luke’s Kitchen, the Coromandel Town Information Centre and Waihi Stationery.

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Letters to the Editor See page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions

Dear Editor - The Local Government Leaders’ and it was possible to get replacement a whole new mining industry (yes, they proposed shelter belts... that doesn’t sound like Declaration on Climate Change parts to make them last longer. Therefore, are rare and we don’t need more mines). a good idea to me. Allow me to comment on your article in The we should create policies which force Dense populations cause transport pollution Lodestone claims they are going to provide Informer of 11 May, “Pressure mounting on manufacturers to make quality, lasting and the answer is more public transport extra power from underneath the panels. mayor to sign climate change declaration.” products and discourage the throwaway for cities. Here on the Coromandel, Less than 25 percent of sunlight gets reflected I applaud Thames-Coromandel District society we have become. EVs will not improve the national or global upwards from the ground. Harvesting this will Council mayor, Sandra Goudie, for not simply • Outlaw plastics. The truth is most environment. require yet another set of solar panels facing giving in to signing the Local Government plastics can’t be “recycled” because this • Restrict high altitude jet flight. It is well downwards towards the already shaded ground, Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change. is chemically not possible. Better policy proven that the gaseous oxides produced thus doubling the cost for much less than 25 The problem is that the declaration ignores is needed and local councils should from jet engines are a significant cause of percent extra power. It’s nuts. the real causes of pollution and may result put pressure on central government to upper atmospheric damage, ie greenhouse Battery backup sounds great, but batteries on in innocent Coromandel ratepayers (you achieve this. emissions. this scale are hugely expensive and will never and I) being lumped with additional, • Create policy to minimise cardboard In conclusion - better local and central provide more than four hours of backup at full unnecessary taxes. packaging. Following the demise of plastic government policy is the real way forward to capacity. For much of the next day, the panels As someone who has spent a significant bags, cardboard is undergoing a resurgence saving the environment, not poor policy which will only be recharging the batteries once again. amount of my career in the packaging and because it is “compostable.” Unfortunately, will result in taxing the innocent, everyday man On cloudy or rainy days, little power will be the truth about wood fibre products (which produced to even do the recharging. Sounds like chemicals industry, I may be qualified to who has no say in what goods and packaging is what cardboard is) is that the pulping a dog trying to chase its tail to me. comment. The truth is that the Coromandel are produced. process from wood to create cardboard is Conventional power stations last for half contributes a statistically insignificant amount AJ Hope-Cross one of the most environmentally unfriendly a century or more and provide reliable power to global pollution and greenhouse gas Kaimarama chemical processes known to man. 24/7, but solar panels only work in the daytime emissions. Punishing ourselves (which is what • Encourage the use of metal, glass and Dear Editor - The proposed solar farm when its sunny and will have to be replaced this initiative is designed to do) won’t serve to timber packaging wherever possible. outside Whitianga in 15 to 20 years to remain productive and the save our environment. The truth is that these are the only true 99 I refer to your article in The Informer of 18 May batteries long before that. Neither the panels nor A real environment-saving programme would percent recyclable packaging materials about Lodestone Energy’s proposed solar farm the batteries can be recycled, so they will just look something like this - available. Their crushed or oxidised states outside Whitianga. end up as yet more toxic landfill like their wind • New Zealand should put pressure on the are natural and largely undamaging to Forgive me for being a sceptic, but the turbine cousins. key pollution producing nations such as the environment. information that was put out by Lodestone For maximum efficiency, the 80,000 panels China (which have unacceptable levels of • Discourage the use of electric vehicles. sounds like investor bait to me. Energy Minister spread over many hectares will need to be air pollution within their cities much of Yes, this may be surprising, but the problem Megan Woods says it will create cheaper power regularly cleaned, but I thought we already the time) to clean up their act and also to with EVs is that they only serve to shift the bills and she is “hugely excited.” Me, not had a water shortage in Whitianga. However, produce goods which are environmentally environmental problem from one foot to so much. Lodestone claims the project will miraculously friendly. Restricting the import of goods the other. While on one hand they produce We need lots of power in the late afternoon use no water. from these countries would be a good start. no atmospheric pollutants during their use, and in the evening, when we are cooking or So many questions, so few answers… • Much of the goods today have a short a significantly higher percentage of plastics using lights and heating. Just the time when I sincerely hope Powerco and other investors lifespan before they have to be thrown are used in their manufacture than petrol the solar panels are producing very little or no do their homework carefully on this venture. out (eg household appliances). In past vehicles (for the batteries) and rare earth power at all. The publicity video also shows Alastair Brickell generations, products were better quality metals are needed. This has given rise to some of the panels being in the shade of the Kuaotunu

Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Mayor gives ’s new SeniorNet Update toilet block the thumbs up By Mavis Hicks

It feels some days as if the chilly winter programmes you would like further assistance weather has arrived, but be assured our with. These sessions must be booked because meeting room is warm. We will soon be of their popularity and we must limit numbers thinking about our schedule for next term. to keep the sound down so as to avoid too Time flies. Members, we do need your input much noise in the room. and Informer readers, if you are thinking The issue of lack of committee members of joining SeniorNet, coming to one of our means there are too few members sharing classes or workshops is a good way to spend the work to keep SeniorNet Whitianga going. a couple of hours in the warm. “Many hands make light work.” We have Learn more about what you do not know four officers and four ordinary committee about your device. It may be as simple has members. Officers handle all the official how to correct the capitalisation on your duties and the remaining committee members document/email when you have accidentally help with the less onerous tasks. put the caps lock on or have forgotten New committee members would be very to release it. You do not have to retype. welcome and would start with sitting in One click corrects that. There are so many on meetings to see how things work and Thames-Coromandel District Council mayor, Sandra Goudie, was in Tairua on Friday last week little tricks on most programmes that are undertaking tasks as they feel able to - to give her seal of approval to the recently completed new Pepe Reserve toilet block. discovered. Our tuition/help covers Apple and a settling in period. Before cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the facility, Mrs Goudie acknowledged Microsoft devices. It might seem daunting, but remember you the work of all the contractors, most from the Coromandel Peninsula, who had contributed to Our schedule covers not just the basics would not be expected to take on anything the project. “I can’t remember a time when I have come this way without stopping to use these of computer and other device usage, but you did not feel comfortable with, and you toilets, it’s a real improvement and a fantastic asset for Tairua,” she said. She was particularly there are interesting groups like genealogy - do not need to have computer skills or help impressed with the spacious sheltered area at the front of the block which she said would be find your ancestors or lost cousins. This also with the tutoring. Being a committee member great for families, particularly in bad weather. covers exploring historic newspapers for is a way you can be part of SeniorNet and The project had a total estimated cost of around $820,000, half of which came from central added information. Turning your photos into helping more of the mature people in our government via the Tourism Infrastructure Fund with project manager, Ross Ashby, confirming super pics and repairing damaged old photos community move forward in our increasingly it was completed under budget. “It’s great to see it done. I know the town has been waiting a to add to your genealogy research. technical world. long time for it. I think it looks fantastic. It’s a quality build for a quality location, we know it will Using Zoom has become a popular way to Registering for classes and workshops, certainly be well used,” he said. interact online with family groups. Zoom is to join SeniorNet or for any other information also being used by some SeniorNet branches regarding what we do, please phone Lorna on Research conducted by TCDC showed the Pepe Reserve toilets were the most used of any of the as a way to attend classes, so our committee is (027) 486 0150 pubic toilets on the Coromandel. exploring that option. More on that at a later (daytime only The old facility was completely demolished to make way for the larger and more modern design date. please) or leave which contains eight new toilets. The kitset design has also been used at Hot Water Beach and We have been offering one-on-one tuition. a message for , but adapted at each location to suit the landscape. This gives you an hour of undivided attention her to call you Pictured is Mrs Goudie with TCDC staff and contractors at the new toilet block on Friday. from a tutor familiar with your device and the back.

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Tips for Business Owners By Christine Petrie

Do “blockages” prevent your organisation experienced people with a diversity of from advancing to the next level? Or perhaps backgrounds and professional experience. one strong personality stifles creativity and Members need to own the organisation’s initiative by dominating culture and decision- shared vision, operate with respect and making? This experience is common, have a questioning mindset. They need to especially when the organisation has reached understand the macro environment in which its current success through one or two the organisation operates (eg political, people’s hard work and tenacity. societal, economic, technological and While it is not necessarily easy for the environmental) and be able to discern changes organisation’s leader to let go of the reins, in “seasons” and how this might impact on the the solution often lies in appointing one or organisation’s future. They need to be able to both of - discuss diverse and robust opinions, consider • A board of directors/trustees. all options and arrive at respectful agreements • An experienced chief executive. with their fellow directors/trustees. The board holds management to account. The chief executive determines how to They have a helicopter view of the execute the board’s strategy. By taking charge organisation and ask the questions What? of the organisation and its administration, Where? Why? They set the organisation’s they release the motivated founders to work direction, including vision, mission, goals and values. They understand and oversee the in their areas of strength. management of the organisation’s finances Information included in this column is of and its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities a general nature and is not a substitute and threats. for tailored legal, accounting and other The board should be comprised of 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 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Thirty years of failing the children of Tairua An opinion piece by Gillian O’Neill - Informer reporter and Tairua resident

There is a sickness within the way our local at least in the 10 years that I have been the hundreds of hours of work invested by the According to Children’s Commissioner, government operates. reporting on issues affecting the Coromandel community, but a dangerous precedent to set in Judge Andrew Becroft, children make up a It appears we all agree that Tairua should Peninsula or parts thereof. term of how we view and treat our community quarter of the population, but they are hardly have a skatepark, but 30 years and a raft of Residents and board members found out boards on the Coromandel Peninsula. ever supported to be involved in democratic discarded plans and broken promises later, through a TCDC newsletter that council was That both the integrity and legitimacy of the decision-making. “Councils that consult with, it remains a distant aspiration, the voices of no longer willing to back the decision that its Tairua-Pauanui Community Board’s decision and act on the views of, children make better our youngest citizens no match for the layers own members had approved. Not only that, could be so readily dismissed was too much decisions, provide better services and are more of bureaucracy, political manoeuvring and but it wanted the Tairua-Pauanui Community for one member, Ann Stewart-Ball, who has likely to sustain healthy populations for the legal machinery collectively conspiring yet Board to revoke all its decision-making on the since resigned her seat in protest. long term,” his office wrote when a member again to quash their pleas. project and relinquish its power to TCDC who So what went wrong and who decided that of the Tairua community contacted him about With $150,000 of community money raised, would commence the whole process again the decision-making process that TCDC itself the skatepark issue. “While it is impossible to steel ordered and the guest beds ready and to reach a new decision “seen to be made oversaw and said was necessarily tedious in please everyone in complex decisions such waiting in the homes of local residents for in an impartial, fair and unbiased manner.” order to withstand the highest level of legal as locations and expenditure on children’s the workers who would break ground on Shock and bewilderment is maybe the best scrutiny was suddenly not up to scratch? playgrounds, the important part of decisions arguably one of the most debated projects way to describe the community’s reaction. Lawyers? We can only assume so. If that’s that affect children (under 18), is to make ever undertaken in the Thames-Coromandel TCDC have not revealed specifically how the case, the Community Board is quite fairly the decision in the best interests of the child District, the stop sign went up again at the 11th the Community Board’s decision making was asking what information have they used to (Article 3, the Children’s Convention).” hour and the dream of another generation of not “impartial fair and unbiased.” Anyone come to this conclusion? Have they seen The best interests of the children of Tairua Tairua children was dashed. who sat in on the many, many public meetings all the facts, trawled through the layers of seem like a long-forgotten consideration in A small group of residents collectively on this issue, will have seen first-hand the correspondence, surveys, letters, petitions and this saga. known as Preserve Cory Park Society, pressure board members have faced from all newsletters relating to the project? Confused and betrayed is how one parent have sought a judicial review of Thames- sides. To say the subject has been divisive Or is this just an easy way to make it all summed up the feelings of the young ones. Coromandel District Council’s decision to would be an understatement, bitter and even go away, stick it on the backburner, maybe For now, the Tairua-Pauanui Community locate a skatepark at Cory Park Domain, nasty might also be apt. until the current crop of beleaguered parents, Board has said no to revoking its decision and the town’s only active recreation reserve. The vitriol on social media has been at children and board members, like their will await further information from TCDC, This was no surprise, it isn’t Tairua’s first times toxic and there was no hiding from it. predecessors before them, are worn out. something that’s getting increasingly hard to skatepark rodeo and the legal threats that But no-one tried to. Elected Community Board chair, Warwick Brooks, didn’t even come by. had materialised on previous occasions were Board members faced it head on, as they are object to the idea of handing the matter back Council told me they wouldn’t comment anticipated and indeed promised. charged to do. It is their job to listen to debate to council to sort out, saying he just wants to further while the matter is before the courts, The message to the children of Tairua, and during which one and all can air their views. be able to talk to people in the street again. while the public was excluded from their latest the Tairua-Pauanui Community Board who And then, in accordance with our local That statement alone is a measure of what discussions on the matter for similar reasons. took up the challenge on their behalf, was that government legislation, they deliver the the community has endured, the emotional It seems, for now at least, more powerful this time would be different - the location, decision they believe is in the best interests of toll it has taken on those who have been on voices will be the ones who decide the fate of the process and the decision would be right the community. the frontlines, but battled on regardless. this desperately needed facility. More powerful and their long wait would be over. It may not be pretty, in fact it’s often down A sacrifice that it appears was for naught, with than mine, more powerful than the Tairua- But when the time came, what the kids, right ugly, but it is the epitome of democracy the skatepark destined for at least another 12 Pauanui Community Board and certainly more and indeed the Community Board, got was in action. To cast it aside because the decision months buried in local government procedure powerful than the tamariki of Tairua who still a slap in the face that was unprecedented, has become inconvenient is not just an insult to or the judicial system. patiently wait.

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 MAY 2021 the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Do you have any concerns about www.presscouncil.org.nz. See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. being vaccinated against COVID-19? in the night sky, and the Whitianga and Follow us on Twitter. Hot Water Beach tides. Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.

Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 Preserving Tairua’s history one newspaper clipping at a time By Gillian O’Neill Anyone who has considered the challenge of clear was that there were broad themes what do with the hundreds of photographs corresponding to each decade,” she says. they have accumulated over the years, “So for example in the 60s there was a great may relate to the task that faced the members deal of development in terms of infrastructure, of the Tairua Heritage Group. most significantly the opening of the Kopu- As well as being entrusted with the care of . So I’ve labelled that era ‘Tairua a pictorial treasure trove depicting the town’s Opens to the World.’ The 70s heralded the growth and development over many decades, advent of subdivision while the 80s brought the volunteer group had also become the much political tension, particularly on topics custodian of boxes of newspaper clippings like sewage and water. telling the stories of all the great events and “Water was probably the biggest topic back people who have coloured the town’s history, then and here we are still talking about it along with some of the lesser known and today. Despite so much change, some things curious ones too. still remain the same.” “We had this huge collection of items As well as collating all the items into that have been given to the Heritage Group organised journals, Jenny has also been by many people over the years, documents, formally cataloguing each single piece so that photos, articles, scrapbooks,” says group a permanent digital archive can be created, member, Jenny Chalmers. “At the moment, ensuring the collection is preserved. “I had a everything is kept in a room at the library training seminar on how to record each item, which kindly has given us some storage so that was a new skill for me and it took me space. We are working towards getting a a while to get up to speed with that, but I like heritage centre for Tairua and, looking ahead, learning new things,” she says. we needed to think about how we could “For me it’s not just about the events that preserve and present all these documents.” happened, it’s the things that didn’t also, Jenny first worked with fellow member, the ideas, the dreams, the conversation and Nola Langford, to sort through all the the debates. We have those milestone events photographs. “Even that alone was huge, which create a great timeline for us to fit those it was a massive job, but seeing what Jenny oral histories around. But it’s all the stories, has accomplished since then is incredible,” people’s memories, the funny anecdotes and says Nola. the arguments, that’s the really rich part that After the project was temporarily paints the picture of what life was like here at interrupted by Covid last year, Jenny resumed a particular time.” the painstaking process in January this year, Having reached the year 2000, Jenny has the work rekindling an old passion. “My first one more decade to go. “That will be a good degree was in history, it’s something I’ve winter project for me,” she laughs. She rolls always been interested in, but I ended up her eyes skyward when asked how many going off in a different direction,” she says. hours she has invested to date. “It has been “I went back to university and eventually did a lot,” she admits. “But I’ve enjoyed it, a Master’s in Educational Psychology and it’s been truly fascinating and I’ve learned a became a lecturer, including for three years huge amount, which is always a great thing. in Singapore. But I’ve always been fascinated As to what happens next to the fruit of her by the past and I’ve been here in Tairua 20 labour… “They will continue to be stored years now, so this is about the history of our safety at the library for now, but we look own place which is exciting.” forward to hopefully having a permanent Most of the material Jenny is working on home to be able to display and share them in dates from the 1960s onwards. “What became the not too distant future,” says Jenny.

Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 14 Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 A heartfelt thank you to Paul Bradley for 12 years as a community patroller A contribution by Bill McLean, chairman of the Mercury Bay Community Patrol Allow me to taIk about Paul Bradley, I asked Paul if he had enjoyed his time as a a well know local in Whitianga who after patroller. He gave a resounding yes and told 12 years of loyal service has recently retired me some of the times he remembers well. from the Mercury Bay Community Patrol. Patrolling one night with former Mercury The patrol is a group of volunteers providing Bay Community Patrol chairman, Laurie the Police with a passive “eyes and ears” role Johnston, they spotted a slow-moving car by patrolling the Mercury Bay area. Through that they thought was a bit suspicious and their presence, they deter crime while they followed it at a discrete distance. It pulled also record and advise activities that may off and they carried on until they spotted it require Police action. behind them as if it were following them. As an aside, throughout New Zealand there But when they got into better light in town, are 170 patrols registered with Community they recognised the other as a Police car. Patrols New Zealand, made up of around So, they stopped and had a midnight cuppa 5,000 patrollers who drove approximately at the Whitianga Police Station (I don’t 860,000km last year. think that was mentioned in the patrol report Back to Paul. When he retired as a well- that night). respected teacher, he had time on his hands. Another night, they noticed lights and an He initially took on the job as theatre manager/ alarm sounding full blast. No excitement, projectionist at the local cinema. He did this for five years and told me that in those days though, as it turned out to be a failure of the 35mm films were on huge reels, which the alarm system. Oh well, just another weighed a ton. As several reels were required quiet night. But not quite as quiet as the Paul Bradley (in the centre) holding his certificate of appreciation for 12 years per film, this became his physical training times when Paul and other patrollers were of service to the Mercury Bay Community Patrol. With him are Community Patrol chairman, Bill McLean (on the left), and Don Edgecombe of the Whitianga Police. as well as providing the entertainment for at the Whitianga Airfield from dusk to dawn the patrons. It also explains why he can hit a keeping an eye on the rescue helicopter to after Paul had called it in to the Police and regular basis on where replacements were golf ball further than the eye can see. He also ensure the crew had a chance to rest between St John Ambulance. It’s times like this and required. This is a good example of Paul’s played and sang in a local band. call-outs. Hopefully the helicopter will return lots of others, that make the effort to assist commitment to the community. Then, 12 years ago, Paul was invited to join on a more permanent basis. the Police a worthwhile cause and much So, from the Mercury Bay Community our patrol. He remained a member until last Paul also mentioned the time when he appreciated by them. Patrol, we wish Paul good health and week as he felt it was time to concentrate on spotted an obviously drunk guy smashing Paul has probably also been our best spotter uninterrupted sleeping at night, and we a more leisurely life with his wife, Barbara, a shop window with his fist, bleeding like a of dead streetlights and keeping Thames- say a heartfelt thank you for his years of golf and their campervan. stuck pig and finishing up in Hospital Coromandel District Council advised on a commitment and dedication.

Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 What’s On In the next few weeks

Regular Activities Whitianga Art Group Op-Shops Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for • Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Whitianga Menz Shed • The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. truck stop. All welcome. • St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Craft Group 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Cooks Beachcare Group 10:00am - 2:00pm. Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and Whitianga Senior Citizens Club planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625. Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie Garden Circle etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Meet the last Thursday of every month from 11:15am - 2:30pm. New members welcome. Phone Leila on 866 3264 or Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Anne on 866 0268 for more information. Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Scottish Country Dancing Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Specific Activities/Events Scrapbags Quilting Group Grey Power Mercury Bay Luncheon Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. Thursday 27 May, following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at 11:15am at the Mercury Bay Club. phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Phone Merle on 867 1737 for more information. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Sing for Joy Singing Workshop Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Saturday, 29 May from 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Coghill Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. With choir leader and Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. musician, Max Hamilton. Free for Mercury Bay Community Choir members, non-members $25, students $15. Mercury Bay Quilters Phone Sharon on (027) 208 6400 or Edie on (027) 272 5733 to pre-register. Meets the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 29 May Social Services, Cook Drive. New members welcome. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information. Mercury Bay Area School v Whangamata Area School in Whitianga. Kick-off at 11:15am. Alcoholics Anonymous Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 29 May Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins v Cobras (Te Aroha) in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm. 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Mercury Bay Senior B v Waihi Athletic in Waihi. Kick-off at 12:25pm. Serenity Al-Anon Group Coromandel Town Senior B v Paeroa in Coromandel Town. Kick-off at 12:25pm. Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by NZ Offshore Powerboat Series - Final Round someone else’s drinking. Saturday, 29 May. Race 1 at 12:30pm, Race 2 at 1:30pm. Best viewing along Buffalo Beach Reserve, Buffalo Beach Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga Road, Whitianga. Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band Concert Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Saturday, 29 May at the Whitianga Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. Tickets $30 adults and $10 Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information. children, available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy, online at Under the Radar and at the door. AA Driver Licensing Whitianga’s 13th Town Garage Sale (sponsored by The Informer) The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Saturday 5 - Monday, 7 June. To register your garage sale, pop into The Informer offices at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga Playcentre Whitianga, email [email protected] or phone 866 2090. $15 to register. All registration fees to be donated Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, to a Mercury Bay charity. free entry. Visitors welcome.

Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 The Small-time Investor By Whitianga resident, Max Ross

Tesla again There has been carnage and drama in the the long-term time horizon. I am intending to is clear. When we are in the dips, I like to think markets. The high growth technology sector hold my investments for five years or more. Below on the right is a graph of the S&P about the long-term picture. When we are that I like has had a difficult time. Bitcoin has There is a famous quote by Benjamin 500 index, the US sharemarket (again from in the peaks, I think it’s because I’m great at plummeted and related shares have fallen. Graeme, “In the short run, the market is Google Finance). picking winners. It’s all part of the investment I’m down 0.02 percent or -77 cents. a voting machine but in the long run, it is There is a clear direction of the stock market journey. Seventeen of my investments are up. a weighing machine.” In the short term, in this S&P 500 graph. While there are some This week I’m investing my $75 into my The largest gains are in Mainfreight the market moves with news and the herd big drops and some long periods of sideways favourite investment, Tesla. It’s in a dip and (up 37.5 percent) and EBOS (up 37.1 jumps into and out of areas and stocks. movement, overall and with time the market so I’m hoping it’s at a bargain price. This is the voting machine. In the long term, percent). Nineteen of my investments are is consistently moving up. Please remember that what I write in this good companies rise and poor companies down. The biggest losses are in Sunrun (down These graphs are why many investors like column is all my personal opinion. Overall I fall. In the long term, the market accurately 48 percent) and Plexure (down 46.8 percent). weighs and ranks companies. exchange traded funds or index trackers. am losing money at the moment. The way I am investing, I am picking long For me long-term investing is the key. These follow the NZX or the S&P 500. I am sharing my thoughts and strategies so term growth companies. I believe in major Below on the left is a graph of the NZX50 With my strategy of picking individual you can learn from my mistakes. Be careful disruption to businesses and companies due (from Google Finance). companies, there is a good chance some will with your money. to technological innovation and change. The dates go back to 2003. There is a long- be duds and some will be winners, and I may If you wish to join in and buy shares through I am investing with the belief that this term upwards trend with some ups and downs not pick enough winners to match this trend. the online platform, Sharesies, you can use disruption is coming and I’m aiming to find on the way. There are some periods of time I spread my investments over a number of this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP. the winners and avoid the losers when it where you would be waiting a long time for different companies in the hope that I pick You and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies arrives. This means that I am really looking at a positive return. However, the overall trend more winners than losers. accounts.

The graphs referred to in Max Ross’s Small-time Investor column - NZX50 on the left and S&P 500 on the right.

Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 951

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. Risked 1. Loathing 2. Astound 5. Looked at 3. Removes moisture from 7. Roman garment 4. Dent in cheek 5. Prolong 8. Adolescent 6. Tinting 9. Lodges deeply 10. Political power group 11. Love excessively, ... on 12. Requiring 12. Negative adverb 15. Very old 13. Written test 19. Entertained 14. Printing fluids 15. Lack of interest 21. Crowded 16. Congenital 22. Approach 17. Horse calls 18. Stick (to) 23. Spun thread 19. Financial records check 24. Douse 20. Mouth sore Last week’s solution

Last week’s winner - Glynne Jackson

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Banking bus in Coromandel New course record at Wild Town ahead of branch closure Wood Mini Golf’s Family Day Out Face-to-face bank services with a twist arrived in Coromandel Town this week as a BNZ banking bus rolled into town for the first time. The bus, which is actually a converted campervan, is fully staffed and offers a mobile service to rural communities that no longer have a traditional bank. Coromandel Town will lose its last remaining bank with the closure of BNZ on 25 June. The bus will be in Coromandel Town for two days every three weeks as part of a roving service that will also serve Whangamata, Waihi and Te Aroha, as well as a number of Bay of Plenty communities. BNZ head of Bay of Plenty, Lachie McKenzie, said the mobile team will be able to help customers with their everyday finances, provide financial advice, open new accounts and set PINs on cards. With no cash on board, staff will also be assisting people with using a nearby Smart ATM lobby which will be available 24 hours, as well as internet and phone banking. The BNZ mobile units typically operate for a temporary period to assist customers to transition to non- contact methods of banking. The concept was launched as a pilot in the Manawatu in 2019 before shifting to Northland in February 2020. How long the Coromandel Town service runs for, will be based on the level of need. “It’s crucial we do what we can to help lift digital skills, and we’ve found the digital support offered from Mobile BNZ incredibly popular and successful in the towns we’ve visited,” said Mr McKenzie. Customers can either book an appointment on the BNZ website or just turn up on the day. The mobile unit will be outside the BNZ lobby in Coromandel Town from 10:00am to 3:00pm every third Tuesday and Wednesday starting this week (25 and 26 May). Pictured is the Mobile BNZ which is visiting Coromandel Town this week with staff (from the left) Joelle Mansell, Brittanny Mitchell and Synthia Van Der Werf.

Darren Prole and Krissy Robinson, the owners of Wild Wood Mini Golf in Whitianga, are pleased with the number of people who enjoyed their Family Day Out on Saturday last week. “The day included the first Whitianga Mini Golf Singles and Teams Open Championships,” says Krissy. “We’ve had people from Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland who participated. Several people from Whitianga have also turned up to take on some of New Zealand’s best mini golf players.” In both the singles and teams competitions, players played four rounds, with the lowest average score winning. Cameron Couper (from Auckland) was crowned as the singles champion. On his way to victory he set a new course record of 41. The previous record was 43. Showing that she’s a force to be reckoned with on the mini golf scene, Krissy (pictured second from the left) was part of the team that won the teams championship. With her on the photo are her fellow team members - John Ansley (on the left), Faye Ansley and Richard Pittam.

Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 951

Name: ______

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

Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Mike Savage

“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week) “Kua mārama?” - Do you understand/get it? Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori. The group meets every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.

Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Fishing Report Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280 Sport Results

The past week-and-a-half was nothing short of spectacular for Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB team tries in the first 10 minutes, which put Thames on (MBGFC) members who went out wide looking for broadbill swordfish. Championship Pairs Round 2 - Wednesday, 19 May the back foot. Going into the half-time break, Mercury North/South - 1 Colin McAnnalley and Bob Schibli 55.73, Bay was ahead 17 - 10. Both teams played some good The action kicked off on Sunday, 16 May when angler Mitchell Oliveira became the first junior 2 Angela Butterworth and Colin Day 54.17, 3 Gavin Hedwig rugby in the second half, including some massive defence, club member in 97 years to land a broadbill. This tremendous achievement was followed by and Kate Palmano 49.48. but the Bay was able score a few more tries to win the four other fish of the same species having been landed, or tagged and released until Friday East/West - 1 Equal Giorgio Allemano and Robyn Hogg and game 29 - 19. For their effort, the team has also managed last week. Don Barry and Tadek Gawor 55.00, 3 Augusta Canegallo to win the 5th Grade Challenge Trophy. and Sue Gill 53.75. Tries - Henni Puke, Tyler Ray (2), Shaun Joshua and Cole Undoubtedly the biggest highlight was when junior angler, Daniel Wilson, weighed a broadbill Autumn-2 Competition Round 2 - Thursday, 20 May Hopoi, Conversions - Kyson Mansell (2). of 282.8kg last Saturday, a pending junior world record. Daniel landed the fish only a few hours Results - 1 Hillary Scott and Pat Doube 60.00, 2 Monique MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL RUGBY after he tagged and released another broadbill. Cadman and Norma Hart 56.67, 3 Carol Robertson and Thursday, 20 May Bob Schibli 51.67. Girls XV 49 v Hauraki Plains College 10. According to seasoned angler, Peter Maxwell, there is still a lot of kahawai in the Bay and those TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB Saturday, 22 May anglers who wanted to catch some snapper for the dinner table haven’t been disappointed. Monday, 17 May Year 9 and 10 31 v Waihi College 29. This bodes well for the MBGFC Snapper Tournament to be held on Saturday, 5 June. North/South - 1 Chris Death and Peter McNeil 63.89, First XV 14 v Waihi College 10. 2 Jo Feasey and Doreen Wernham 62.50, 3 Ron Evans and MERCURY BAY SENIOR RUGBY All entry fees ($20 per angler) will go into the prize pool to be distributed among the top three Barry Scott 41.67. Senior A Marlins 14 v Whangamata 14. placegetters. An optional sweepstake of $25 per boat is also available. East/West - 1 Nolene Kirkpatrick and Celia Young 68.06, Senior B 30 v Ngatea 17. For more information and to enter, visit mbgfc.co.nz. 2 Susan Patterson and Lyn Baines 57.35, 3 Lee Hughes MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB and Gillian Martin 42.11. Pictured is Daniel Wilson at the record-breaking broadbill swordfish he Nine-hole Veterans Tutti Frutti - Tuesday, 18 May MERCURY BAY JUNIOR RUGBY Results - 1 Bob Holliday, 2 Rod Stewart, 3 Campbell Elliot. caught on Saturday. Saturday, 22 May Eighteen-hole Ladies Lou Rivas and LGU - Year 4 - We played a hard-fought game against Te Aroha Wednesday, 18 May at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park over the weekend, Results Division 1 - 1 Caron Clinning, 2 Norma Hart, with Te Aroha winning 60 - 20. 3 Chrissie Smith. Tries - Rimaati Joshua (3), Alex McLean (1), Excellent Results Division 2 - 1 Diane Eccles, 2 Sheree Henderson, Effort - Miley Reichardt, Strong Runs - Ryan Old, Fearless 3 Jane Deadman. Play - Shem Macdonald, Player of the Day Awarded by the Twos - Betty Tocker, Nearest the Pin in Two - Jane Opposition - Rimaati Joshua. Deadman, Longest Putt - Sheree Henderson. Year 5 - A home game against Hauraki Plains. It was Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Stableford - another exciting game, our team played really well with Wednesday, 19 May great defence and runs. The end result was a draw, 25 all. Results - 1 Roger Pheasant 39, 2 Kevin Smith 36, 3 Alan Tries - Marlon Stanley, Ollie Mita, Lennox Austin, Zaan Henderson 36. Mayo and Levi French-Hill, Tackle of the Day - Marlon Twos - Graham Eccles, Mark Burcombe and Wayne Stanley, Try of the Day - Ollie Mita, Player of the Day - Levi Malcolm, Best Gross - Mark Burcombe. French-Hill, Player of the Day Chosen by Hauraki Plains - Nine-hole Ladies Annual Tournament - Sharna Proctor. Thursday, 20 May Year 6 - The team played their best game of the season so Results Division 1 Gross - 1 Marion Guy (Tauranga), far against Paeroa who were third on the table. Mercury 2 Audrey Vickers (Mercury Bay). Bay lead most of the game and finished in a 30 all draw. Results Division 2 Gross - 1 Christine Godden (Mercury Players of the Day - Tia Samuel and Jack Penwarden. Bay), 2 Julie Rutledge (Mercury Bay). Year 7 and 8 - The team played at home for the first time Results Division 1 Net - 1 Carolyn Osborne (Walton), in three weeks, playing against top of the table Thames. The Bay team came out very strong, scoring two brilliant (Continued on page 27)

Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Brain Teaser - Fill In Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles

Brain Teaser Puzzles 951

Name: ______

Tel no: ______

Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner.

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

5 Letter Words - Acids, Arena, Blind, Calls, Canal, Coltic, Dials, Eased, Fable, Foals, Issue, Laser, Ledge, Leers, Levee, Lisps, Lunge, Midst, Mural, Navel, Orate, Plume, Pries, Pulps, Realm, Rears, Sided, Smear, Sorer, Strap, Tests, Unite 7 Letter Words - Cuisine, Emanate, Latrine, Leagues

Last week’s Brain Teaser solution - Anagram

1 Monster, 2 Frightening, 3 Disguise, 4 Broomstick, 5 Pumpkin Mystery Keyword - Trick

Last week’s winner - Chris Bennett

Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Sport Results

(Continued from page 25) Eighteen-hole Men and Ladies Stableford - Mercury Bay Multisport Park. A hard-fought game which Highest Break - Ken Gibson 22. Saturday, 22 May the Stingrays won 3 - 2. Saturday, 22 May 2 Jennifer Layton (Mercury Bay). Results - 1 Grant Webster, 2 Equal John van Groendaal Stingrays Players of the Day - Mia (for being focused the Best of three frames. Results Division 2 Net - 1 Jean Hancock (Mercury Bay), and Tim Bartlett, 4 Jock Peacock. entire game) and Indie (for not being afraid to get stuck in Eight players. Willie Jones and Ian Baumgren progressed 2 Kay Donnelley (Cambridge). THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB in her first game of the season). to the final with two straight wins each. And what a great Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Net - Saturday, 22 May Eighteen-hole Men 4BBB - Wednesday, 19 May Sharks Players of the Day - Lucas McDonald and Summer frame this was, coming down to the last ball. Willie ended Results - 1 Justin Wilson 67, 2 Kevin Smith 69, 3 Graham Results - 1 Ray Watt (Tirau)/Steve Moss 44, Jones. up potted the black to take the win and the pork roast. Dun 70. 2 Murray James/Noel Rogers 44, 3 David Gaskell/Tony Senior Girls - The team’s 2021 season kicked off in with Those with two wins were Ian Baumgren (runner-up), who Best Gross - Kevin Smith 77 (on countback), Twos - Wayne Nicholson 43. an away game against St Peter’s in Cambridge. While it also had the highest break of 21, Wayne Malcolm and Kerney (2), Osman Emer (2), Kevin Smith, Roger Booth, Twos - Noel Rogers, Nearest the Pin #18 - Stuart Arnold. was a physical game, the Mercury Bay team never looked Barry Roach. John Bow, Ken George, Mark Burcombe and Matt Sanders, Eighteen-hole Stableford - Saturday, 22 May in doubt. The objective this season is to construct scoring MERCURY BAY HOCKEY CLUB Nearest the Pin (Division 1) - Osman Emer, Nearest the Results - 1 Chris Palmer 41, 2 Tracey Mulligan 39, 3 Chris opportunities and the girls did exactly that. They totally Thursday, 20 May Pin (Division 2) - Mike Franklin, Longest Drive (Division Dobbie (Akarana) 38. dominated the game and scored 21 goals. Mercury Bay 5 v Te Aroha Girls 0. 1) - Mark Burcombe. Twos - Chris Palmer, Nearest the Pin #18 - Peter Murphy. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL CLUB Wednesday, 19 May Drawn Fours Championship Hart Shield - Nine-hole Men and Ladies Net - Thursday, 20 May Friday, 21 May Best of three frames. Thursday, 20 May Results - 1 Phil Costello, 2 Anne Costello, 3 Jim Brown. 10th Grade Sharks and Stingrays - A local derby at the Eleven players. Dave Coleman and visitor Colin Porteous The winning team with four wins were Ray Rout, Alan from the Levin Cosmopolitan Club achieved two straight Henderson, Glynne Jackson and Lionel Lawrence. wins to contest the final third frame. This was a very even The runners-up with three wins were Wayne McNeill, frame, but Colin eventually took the win and the lamb Bev McAllister, Colin Everett and Pat Fisher. chops. Those with two wins were Dave Coleman (runner- Good Sports - Ian Pudney, Merle Ward, Doreen Davies and up) Ian Baumgren, Jason Smith, Bob Haase and Paul Bean. Colleen Taberner.

Matarangi Chief Fire Officer Stuart Arnold (right) handing an official PBI New Zealand Firefighters National Golf Tournament t-shirt to Joe Reece, joint venture operator of Placemakers Whitianga, on Monday this week. The shirt was handed to Joe in recognition of PlaceMakers’ support of the tournament as a national sponsor. In addition to PlaceMakers and PBI Performance Top performers in Division 1 of the Mercury Bay Golf Club’s Nine-hole Ladies Annual Products, the tournament, which was held at The Dunes Matarangi Golf Club from 10 to 14 Tournament which was held on Thursday last week. May, was also sponsored by national and international businesses Safety Components, From left to right - Carolyn Osborne, Jennifer Layton, Audrey Vickers, Marion Guy and Safety + Apparel and Bollé Safety. Melissa Gerrand of main sponsor, BCA Construction.

Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 Trailer-sailer regatta in Whitianga - an impeccably run championship By Tony Stickley The Mercury Bay Boating Club (MBBC) All the boats in the regatta were of the same has enhanced its growing reputation in the design, meaning there was no handicap, yachting world by staging an impeccably and there were strict rules to be followed, run three-day, national sailing championship including sail size, crew weight and boat which finished on Saturday last week. weight. “There is an official measurer to Despite having no club members sailing check that everything is in order because you in the Elliott 5.9 class, the MBBC was can be disqualified if any of the measurement nevertheless asked to host the Yachting New rules are violated,” Jonathan said. Zealand-sanctioned Traveller Series, which The Traveller Series is a winter competition attracts many of the country’s leading sailors. which goes to various locations around Club commodore, Jonathan Kline, said New Zealand during the season. This year, it was not just a huge vote of confidence in Mercury Bay had been chosen not just as the club’s competence and organisational one of the stops on the circuit, but to run skills in putting on high-end regattas, the national championship. “This year it is but also a tribute to the quality and their most important stop,” Jonathan said. commitment of its committee and volunteers. “They have decided to make it their national Another huge draw card in choosing Mercury championship event.” Bay to stage the championship was the Nationally and internationally-qualified organisers’ understandable desire to hold the race officials were on hand to control the event in one of the most beautiful spots on Some of the boats in last week’s Elliot 5.9 class national championship event while club members acted as support the planet. that was held in Whitianga. Photo by Jackie Dagger. crew. “We implement the courses that they Jonathan, who is also one of the club’s have to go through the same sort of pre-race run their regattas. They have requested our decide,” Jonathan said. youth sailing coaches, said that the honour of measurements that many people became services and to sail in our Bay, and that is Some 16 yachts took part, with 12 races being chosen as the venue was an enormous familiar with from watching America’s what is really significant.” scheduled over the three days, each boat accolade for club members. Cup contests. Jonathan said that the club had been making being able to discard its two worst results. The MBBC has been making its mark for Jonathan said that the MBBC has a strong waves over the past few seasons, particularly The winners, who were declared the national some years in junior regattas and that has not junior sailing programme, but in the last with its junior sailing programme, largely champions, were Craig Satterthwaite from gone unnoticed at Yachting New Zealand, couple of years it had also been recognised due to the enthusiasm of parent volunteers. the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and which led to Whitianga being asked to host for its knack of running regattas for other “We have keen parents and they make good his crew, sailing the yacht “R & R,” with the enormously significant event. According classes of boat as well. “We have two or volunteers,” he said. nine first places, one second place and one to Jonathan, the Elliott 5.9 is a classic racing three important regattas under out belts now, Jonathan said that while there was great third place. and training boat. and the combination of our race-management camaraderie among sailors, there was Jonathan said he was proud and excited Loosely, the Traveller Series could be skillset and location here in Mercury Bay also great rivalry at the top end and the for the club to stage the regatta, but that described as a regatta for trailer-sailers, has made us the place to be at the moment,” Traveller Series was no different. “These are came with a caveat. “On the one hand it is but this is as far from occasional weekend he said. “What is interesting is that there accomplished, high-level, talented sailors great to have this in your quiver, but there sailing as it is possible to get. The yachtsmen are classes of boats that we don’t have any from all over the country and they are very has also been a lot of pressure to do it right,” are passionately competitive and the boats members sailing, but we have been asked to competitive,” he said. he said.

Classifieds and Public Notices

ACCOMMODATION WANTEDSITUATIONS VACANT

MERCURY BAY MEDIA LIMITED, PUBLISHER OF THE MERCURY BAY INFORMER, IS EXPANDING We have a position available for a senior editor/manager, based in Whitianga. In addition to being an exceptional writer, the successful candidate must - • Be able to lead a team. • Have excellent judgment (the ability to discern between what is important and what is not). • Have the right to work in New Zealand. A very competitive remuneration package plus bonus is on offer, depending on the level of responsibility and workload the successful candidate is willing to accept. Please apply with cover letter, resume and examples of writing to [email protected] or PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542. Applications close on Friday, 18 June 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This position will be advertised nationally if no suitable Mercury Bay candidates are available. MBML

Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices SITUATIONS VACANT BRIDGE LESSONS

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE … the world’s most popular card game The Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club is offering a series of free lessons beginning on Wednesday, 16 June, 10:00am, at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. If you would like to join the class, or would like more information, contact Gavin Hedwig, phone 021 146 9203, email [email protected].

WANTED

Vehicles wanted Top cash paid for any VANS, UTES, TRUCKS, 4X4s, CARS - dead or alive, damaged, de-registered, mechanical problem, no WOF - we buy it. HOUSEKEEPER WANTED, Call 0800 333 398 Cooks Beach area. Ph: 021 338 598 WORK WANTED Mercury Bay Spouting For all types of guttering and spouting Tony 021 505 109

PENINSULA CHIMNEYS Chimney Sweep Clean and efficient service. Phone or text John (021) 138 3295. coromandel garage doors A member of For new doors, auto openers and full maintenance and repair service. Phone Don McLean 022 453 2188 Email [email protected] www.corogaragedoors.co.nz DAVE’S DRAINAGE Drainlaying, Public & Private, GARDEN IRRIGATION Water your borders and veggies 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. from the couch. 30 Years Experience. Contact me for a free quote. Free Quotes or Advice. Email: [email protected] Call Dave 027 727 0348 Facebook: Water My Garden [email protected]

CHIMNEY SWEEP 25 years servicing the area. Phone Chris (021) 082 47928

Rubbish Removal Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags Phone John 866 5511

MIKE’S MOWING $25 empty sections, fortnightly or monthly mowing. Free edge spraying. Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 or 027 320 1703.

Issue 951 - 25 May 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 community bus

MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY BUS For your door to door travel to hospitals and related services 866 4273 in Thames, Waikato, Auckland and Tauranga. To book phone 866 4993 or 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 Advertisement sponsored by the Mercury Bay Club STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. Ph: 0800 944 660 DOG GROOMING STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 STORAGE AVALABLE 60m², Concrete Floor - Phone Sue (0274) 767 875

Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693

HOLISTIC HEALTH ST ANDREW’S INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER BY THE SEA WORKSHOP FACILITATOR Community Church TAROT CARD READINGS SPIRITUAL MENTOR Albert Street, Whitianga CLAIRVOYANT COMMUNITY WORSHIP VERNA (027) 320 0079 EVERY SUNDAY vernacarrspiritualhealing.com 9:30am. Come, join the family of God! Small office space in central Whitianga location Enquiries 869 5452 Available long term, affordable rent. Phone (021) 672 748 for details. www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz PUBLIC NOTICES

grey power mercury bay INC annual general meeting The Annual General Meeting of Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc will be held at 11:15am on Thursday IN MEMORIAM 27th May 2021 at the Mercury Bay Club, corner Cook Drive and Campbell Street. PAULENE SIMPSON Doors will be open at 10:45am. So long Paulene, If you have any queries regarding my dear friend for 33 years. this meeting or Grey Power, Renn contact Merle Edwards on 867 1737.

THE CHURCH OF MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY PATROL INC Paulene Simpson AGM (nee O’Brien) JESUS CHRIST Wednesday, 16 June at the Masonic Hall, Vanessa, Yvette, Kylie and families OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 66 Cook Drive, Whitianga. would like to express their heartfelt Commencing at 7:00pm. thanks for all expressions of Everyone Welcome sympathy and support on the Sunday 10 am – 12 noon sudden passing of our beloved @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga mum on Sunday, 2 May. Special thanks to St John, (Community Service Bldg) Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade, Enquiries - 021 113 0566 the Police and Dr Dan for your assistance and care.

PSYCHIC MEDIUM Dear valued customers of Coghill Community Op Shop We are excited to begin work on our new roof and apologise for any All welcome inconvenience this might cause our customers. Whitianga Seventh-day There will be occasions over the next couple of months where we will need to close Adventist Fellowship earlier to allow work to be carried out and we will also be closing certain sections Saturday @ 10:00am of the shop temporarily as work progresses. Family worship We are aiming to keep the shop open throughout the process as much as is 6 Puriri Place safely possible and will be accepting donations each day. Phone 022 354 4069 Thank you for your patience and continued support. or 027 248 2984 Whitianga Community Services Trust

Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 951 - 25 May 2021 Whitianga marathon participants blown away with support from locals More than 1,500 runners and walkers South Africa was the first female to cross the “It was like all of Whitianga was hosting the achieve with the backing of our community. participated in the third AON Whitianga line in the marathon with a time of 03:11:29. event,” says Nick. The positive feedback we have received from Marathon on Saturday last week. It was the Participants enjoyed the new flat, fast single Paora Raharaha (aka the “Gumboot Man”) runners, sponsors and our event staff has been first time the event (previously called the lap half marathon course with James Murphy ran the inaugural marathon distance in his overwhelming. I’d like to thank our sponsors, Whitianga Half Marathon) offered a full of Auckland taking out first place in a time of gumboots with friend, Viani Pitman, at his volunteers and community for helping deliver marathon distance of 42.2km. “The marathon 01:17:42. The first female home in the half side to continue their fundraising efforts a great day to athletes and supporters here course featured two very different halves, marathon was Maddie Dillon of Auckland for the running group Huntly Team Little in Whitianga.” including a ride on the Whitianga ferry at with a time of 01:20:52. Big Bots. Paora inspired many students at Mercury Bay residents who did well in the the 22km mark,” says Nick Reader, the event Many friends and families enjoyed the Mercury Bay Area School on Friday last event include Matt McDougall (third male in organiser. 10km and 5km distances together. week, sharing his story and aspirations. the marathon), Francie Lidgard (third female The marathon was won by David Participants commented that they were “I am very happy with the event,” says in the 10km) and Brett Candelaria (winner of Haunschmidt of Tauranga in a very fast time blown away with the support from the locals, Nick. “We want to deliver safe, exciting the 5km, seven seconds ahead of Coromandel of 02:37:02. Naomi Brand of Cape Town, course marshals and aid stations crews. events and that’s what we have been able to Town’s Yoan Soudan in second place).

Photo left - David Haunschmidt of Tauranga on his way to win the Whitianga Marathon on Saturday last week. Photo right - Whitianga’s Mark Jones on Saturday. Mark was one of the first Mercury Bay locals to cross the finish line in the half marathon distance in a very credible time, and personal best, of 01:32:49.

Issue 699951 - 2725 JulyMay 20162021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31