THAMES VALLEY RUGBY UNION FINALS
Te Kai Whakarongo 15 July 2025 | Proudly locally owned and operated Issue 1166 Circulation 9600
theinformer.co.nz
@theinformernz
SEE PAGES 13-16
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA
VINYL NIGHT Thursday Nights from 5pm • Curated Menu • Cocktail Special
ROAST NIGHT Every Wednesday night from 5pm
Pork, lamb, chicken or beef. Buffet salad and sauce bar
(07) 866 2090 info@theinformer.co.nz
3A Reweti Drive (opposite Mobil) www.basker.co.nz info@basker.co.nz Phone: 07 866 0645 Hours 8.00am to late
SHOP LOCAL OR BYE BYE LOCAL
This was prepared by a couple running a local business and who are very familar with the situation around the Coromandel.
Unfair water rates see page 3
O
ur town centres are changing - fewer shops, closed signs, and empty premises. Many of us notice it, talk about it, and worry about it. But here’s the truth; it’s happening because too many of us are no longer shopping local. We are clicking the mouse, not your local EFTPOS machine. Nowhere in NZ feels an economic downturn earlier, longer, or harder than the Coromandel region. Right now, our local businesses are doing it tough. These are the same businesses that: • Provide most of the local jobs • Sponsor your kids’ sports teams • Donate to community events and causes • Keep our towns alive all year – not just in summer. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we get behind local businesses. WHY SHOP LOCAL? • Keeps money in the local economy – supporting local wages and reinvestment • Keeps our towns vibrant – bustling streets attract more locals and visitors • Better service & product knowledge – locals know what locals need
Dave’s fantastic mural see page 7
Do you believe in this? • Supports family-owned and start-up businesses • Strengthens our community identity and resilience • Creates a more social and personal shopping experience • Real people, real conversations, real relationships
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL – IT’S EASY Local Business Associations across the Coromandel – Mercury Bay, Tairua, Thames,
Coromandel-Colville, and Whangamatā – have launched “Buy Local” campaigns, backed by TCDC. There are awesome local promotions, giveaways, and ways to get involved. You don’t need to be a member of a local business association to participate in encouraging others to buy local. Top Tips from TCDC (plus a few more): • Skip the online cart • Grab a coffee from your local café
• Find that gift at a local boutique • Hire the local tradie • Buy that tyre from the shop in town • Book services from someone you know It all adds up. Every dollar spent locally counts. So check out your local town’s Facebook page, pop into that shop you’ve been meaning to visit, and Shop Local. Support Local. Win Local. If you don’t, it could be bye bye local.
St John’s story see page 11
TRUST YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS Visit us at Totalspan Coromandel 1/46 Kopu Road, Kopu, Thames Ph: 07 869 0400 Email: coromandel@totalspan.co.nz 0800 TOTALSPAN TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ www.theinformer.co.nz
The Coromandel Informer – 15 July 2025 | 1