Issue 1193 20 January 2026

Farmer is awarded two New Years Honours

Neil Bateup is the rare recipient of a Queen’s New Years Honour and a Kings New Years Honour.

BY PAULINE STEWART

Former national Rural Support Trust Chairman, Neil Bateup, was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018. In this year’s New Years 2026 Honours List, he has received a higher honour, becoming a Companion of the Order for his services to the rural sector.

He told the Waikato Herald at the time of receiving the news; “I’m pretty honoured, but I’m receiving it on behalf of the Rural Support Trust organisation; it’s a recognition of the team.”

The Informer interviewed Neil and talked with some Hauraki farmers who know Neil.

WHERE THINGS BEGAN

“I am a farmer. I am still a farmer. I will always be a farmer.”

Neil was born in the North Waikato area - a place called Te Hoe on the Ohinewai Road, not far from Tahuna. He knows a lot about small towns and farming communi-

ties because that has been his whole life. He tells the story of the Rural Trust from its beginning.

“A group of farmers were at a farm economic conference. This was 2004, twenty-two years ago. There was a talk about the economics of farming, and we noticed a lot of people attending the talk were finding things difficult, but didn’t have anywhere to go for help. We were talking around the table about the effect of low payouts particularly on younger famers who had no backup. There was no help for them and some were in very worrying situations. We called a meeting and set up the first Rural Support Trust and I was elected Chair and I have been ever since. That region is Waikato- Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust.

“When we first set up, we talked to Jim Anderton and asked for some funding. He was the Minister of Agriculture at the time. We needed someone to answer calls for help to connect the regions.

Continued on page 3

Tighten your belt Pauline’s Place

The Mayoral Efficiency Taskforce has been very busy. You may not have known such a committee existed, but it does and that is since Peter Revell was elected as our Mayor. The committee is Chaired by Mayor Peter and the members are John Grant (Deputy Mayor) and Flemming Rasmussen. The committee is supported by Senior Staff, principally The CEO, Aileen Lawrie and The Chief Financial Officer, Peter Bridgewater. This group has met with all five Community Boards in the past week. My understanding of the purpose of the committee is to fulfil the pledge of the Mayor before being elected, – ‘To limit the rates rise to 3.8 % increase or less’. This is a very worthy yet difficult pledge. The extension of that pledge for the purposes of five meetings – one for each Community Board over five days, is to refocus the Council on core services –the basics.

That is the brief that has

been communicated by TCDC as the purpose of the Mayoral Efficiency Taskforce (MET). The budget under careful scrutiny for this last week of meetings is Capital Expenditure. No doubt major capital projects will be delayed or at the very least a list will be made in order of priority as the team of Community Board Chairs deliberates and takes back some of their ability to lead and empower action that seemed to evaporate, at least in my experience. It would seem that some heavier and more difficult decisions need to be made in the ‘Operational Expenses’ domain of the budget.

This is less transparent and Community Boards are not traditionally involved in Operational Expenditure decisions. However, once capital items, even for a period, are reduced, then Operational reduction, not quality, will need to follow. Every small business and some larger ones on The Peninsula have experienced that painful exercise

which can include reduction of staff. It is appreciated that our Mayor is leading the way to finding some solutions.

NELSON

I was in Nelson for two days recently visiting an old friend. I took opportunity to look at their newspapers and promotion material. Nelson, with the Tasman region included, has a population of over 100,000. So Coromandel is less than one third of that. However, the topic on many minds is the life and vigour of the Nelson town centre. Lots of tourists everywhere but the retail is down and the presence of closed shops can be like a creeping sickness. Nobody wants the centre of such a town to lack life and vigour and therefore people doing business, shopping and enjoying a special kind of atmosphere. Decisions made much earlier on development can detrimentally effect town centre life. I think it’s a matter to consider carefully here on The Coromandel.

TCDC responses on the new Hahei water supply

WATER TREATMENT PLANT LOCATION AND WATER PUMPING

A. Building the plant at the bore site was considered in depth and for several reasons including the local provision of power for the plant, ease of maintenance access, the disposal of plant wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and use of existing land owned by Council, the Pa Rd site was favoured. The bore water extracted from the bore is pumped into the raw water tanks on the bore site and then gravity fed to the new water treatment plant. There is no pumping to the new treatment plant from the bore site, nor is water pumped back up the hill to the raw water tanks on the bore site. The treated water from the treatment plant is pumped to the existing Grierson Close Reservoirs. These reservoirs supply the treated water to the consumers by gravity feed.

LAND OWNERSHIP OF THE BORE SITE

A. Hahei needed a reliable long-term public water supply and hence the urgency. Council has a Licence to Occupy the bore site land until the land acquisition process has been completed with the property owner and this is underway.

WATER STORAGE

A. Council has 90 m3 of abstracted raw water storage at the bore site.

There is a total of 450 m3 of treated water storage made up of 60 m3 at the Pa Rd.

WTP, 270 m3 at Grierson Close and 120 m3 for the HWSA at Pa Rd.

In addition, the ground water bore also acts as a raw water reservoir unlike, for example, a surface water source from a river

This storage is sufficient to meet current and immediate short-term needs.

However, as demand grows, assessments will need to be

made in the future for additional storage requirements and for suitable infrastructure provided at that time.

DELAYS AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Finalising land access and occupancy with the property owner and testing and commissioning of the new plant took longer than expected. In addition, site investigations showed that the water treatment plant site needed pre-loading before construction work could occur and this was undertaken in 2023.

THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS

A. Property owners can continue to retain their privately owned systems for private use. Should the village ever be fully reticulated, and a property owner decides to connect into this reticulated network, then they will need to decommission their private systems.

Astronomy Tours and B&B

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2025 – your guide to the night sky

Tuesday, 20 January: There will be a low ISS pass from 5:48am in the east and from 9:49pm there will be a good Tiangong pass in the SW. Wednesday, 21 January: At dusk the Moon is low on the western horizon with Saturn above and to its right and at 5:00am there will be a good ISS pass in the west and from 10:26pm there will be a good Tiangong pass in the west. Thursday, 22 January: The Moon at dusk has climbed to be below and to the left of Saturn low in the west, and in the early morning there is a very low ISS pass from 5:50am in the SW and from 9:27pm in the SW there will be a long Tiangong pass. Friday, 23 January: The Moon now sits just below and to the right of Saturn low in the west at dusk and at 5:02am there is a low ISS pass in the SW and from 10:05pm in the west there will be a good Tiangong pass. Saturday, 24 January: The Moon has now climbed to be above and well to the right of Saturn low in the west at dusk and from 9:05pm there will be a long bright Tiangong pass in the west. Sunday, 25 January: The Moon lies well to the right of Saturn low in the west at dusk and from 9:42pm there will be a Tiangong pass also in the west. Mars, Venus and Mercury still remain out of sight this week as they are all too close to the Sun to be seen from our perspective at present. However, Saturn is still visible low in the west and brilliant Jupiter is unmistakable in

Neil – always a farmer for farmers

He agreed and asked for trusts to be set up right around the country on the basis that if and when there was an adverse event, there was an organization in place to support the rural sector. This means any kind of farmer – beekeepers, vege growers, horticulturalists, beef, dairy, sheep. It’s not just the farm owners; it is the staff on the farm and the farmers’ family members.

I am on the ground in my own region as well as having been involved in the national level of the organisation. We grew it from a very small group of people committed to helping farmers though tough times to an organization with around 50 people involved in the Waikato and about 350 nationally. There are 14 Regional Rural Support Trusts which operate under one national umbrella. This helps organization, but we really need the regional bases as they know their own area and people. Working alongside people is not something that can be done nationally, but we need to work together when things get tough on a large scale.

During and after Cyclone Gabrielle, I was working closely with the East Coast, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland Trusts. We were receiving lots of donations, unsolicited donations, to help the farmers and growers in that area. I worked with the local trusts when they were deciding

where that money went and how it was to be spent.

There were people from unaffected Trust regions who went and helped wherever they could in those areas. We helped facilitate that. Also, the national Trust organized volunteers in three of the unaffected Trust areas to take the 0800 calls, triaging them and prioritizing the help needed. This gave the locally affected areas ability to focus on their immediate situation. The psychological effects on farmers and growers when a natural event or event devastates their hopes and assets, cannot be underestimated.

“Things are not fixed in the first month or even first year or beyond that. There has to be an ongoing commitment to support and understand the farmer or grower to enable them to keep their livelihood and business going forward.

“The most rewarding aspect is seeing people who have been in a difficult position and have come out the other side. They have got through the problems they were facing and are doing better and they are more connected, no longer isolated.”

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE

“Making sure we always have the right people there to help at the right time – that is the challenge. I feel we have a very good team now. Basically, we have a network of volunteers. We look for

people who have life experience and empathy and who are good listeners.

“A lot of the time, this means shoulder tapping people. Others put their hand up to help. We look geographically at where we need people. We have a team that is small enough to manage and is well trained and well experienced.

We provide free, totally confidential, one on one support.

“We don’t give advice. That is for professional people. If a farmer needs professional advice, we can help them by finding the right professional. Sitting down together, we work out what the issues are. If a farmer calls us,

there are often many issues. We help the farmer separate them out and how it is best to tackle each presenting issue.

“The mental wellness of the farmer is paramount - enabling them to feel they can cope with their situation which is often a complex one and has become overwhelming. The physical, financial and practical issues, seen one at a time, are more manageable.

“Farmers and growers have a multi-faceted life. They have to be skilled and experienced in managing animals or large areas of pastures or crops, understanding the growth and life cycle of food and animals, managing finance and HR matters, handling technology, plus staying up to date with changing practices and regulations. It puts a lot of pressure on people.

“New Zealand went through a period where farmers were not valued, but that has turned around. Farmers feel they are more appreciated now. It is our country’s gold and it is a good life. Sure, it has its ups and downs - we all have those. My wife, Eileen and I have been through some of these over the years.

In terms of our own farm, I don’t do the day-to-day milking anymore. I have done well at farming and farming has been good to me. I have wanted to give back.”

„ bateupn@xtra.co.nz

Putting a stake in the future here

BY MARK SERVIAN

When you live on the Coromandel, you can get to know some very inspiring characters with fascinating life stories, who are future oriented and working generously in their communities.

One of them is Geoff Balme, who is now a ‘Fund Champion’ for the Mercury Bay Future Fund This important initiative was instigated and made possible by Peter Farmer in partnership with the Momentum Waikato Community Foundation.

As a local chartered accountant, Geoff is a strong supporter of Peter and Momentum’s efforts to attract donations and ‘gifts in Wills’ to the endowment funds they’ve set up for the Coromandel. From the outset of this project reported in The Informer over recent months and in the ‘Your Summer,’ magazine, his thoughtful passion and commitment to the future of Whitianga has been to the fore.

Geoff is also an accomplished and enthusiastic luger, and The Informer talked to him soon after his return from attending meetings in Europe as Treasurer of the International Luge Federation (more on that later).

His daughter Amy is now running his Accountancy by Design business, so Geoff and his wife Debbie are able to put more time into community projects and the future of this place they call home – it is what motivates them every day.

LIMITED FUTURE FOR TOWNS RELYING ONLY ON TAXES AND RATES

When recently listening to Mike Hosking’s morning radio show, Geoff heard a guest commenting on local government reform and the proposed doing away of regional councils. As an accountant, Geoff is wired to query how

the possible cost savings can be achieved without losing the quality of civic service in a remote location like Mercury Bay.

The unnerving news for Geoff was that by 2040 the amount of tax the Government will collect will only be sufficient to pay for the nation’s health and pension bills.

“The sobering future is that there won’t be enough tax or rates revenue to pay for the community services we rely on,“ says Geoff.

“What we don’t already receive from local and central government, now comes from community groups, and their membership is getting older, they are not renewing themselves.

“The costs of essential services will keep rising and everything non-essential, that provides our quality of lifestyle, will have to come from elsewhere, and 2040 is not far away!

“With that economic outlook, I ask myself how are we going to pay for the services we value, that build communities, that attract people to come and live here and invest in a future for those coming after them, that make for a healthy and productive lifestyle?”

Which is why Geoff is support-

ing Momentum Waikato’s Coromandel Future Funds - because it makes it easier for you and your family to leave a lasting legacy that supports our local communities.

Six Coromandel Future Funds have been set up. Five mapped as per the Council’s Wards - Thames, Whangamatā, Tairua-Pāuanui, Mercury Bay and Coromandel-Colville – and one to cover the whole Peninsula.

If you want to know more about contributing to these Funds, or setting up your own ‘Named Fund’ to support local charities, please contact Geoff via gbalme@ xtra.co.nz.

OFF TO CANADA AND INTO THE OLYMPICS

Geoff’ s story in his own words…

“I have always chosen service. When I left school, I loved hockey, so became treasurer of the local hockey club.

“Then I left New Zealand for Canada in the 1980s, as I got a job working for Price Waterhouse in Calgary, the home of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. A work colleague was related to a champion luge rider, and he came looking for volunteers for the luge organising team, so I got involved,

four years before the Games.

“They started building a luge track, so being part of that forward planning and loving winter sports, I decided to compete, but I didn’t make it.

“I continued being a luge volunteer after the Games, and in 1989 I entered in the World Luge Championships in Germany.

“We came back to New Zealand after that, and I bought some large sleds with me and started a ‘Luges on Wheels’ programme.

“That’s what we used to do in the summertime when I was living in Canada. We would take the runners off the blade base of the sleds and put wheels on. We would ride down the hills on sleds.

“We tried this in New Zealand and the popularity and expertise grew. We had a girl from Hamilton represent New Zealand in the 1999 and 2002 Olympics, the only Olympian in luge we have ever had at the main Games. That was a huge achievement, but ‘Luges on Wheels’ was not sustainable.

“About that time we were regularly going to the South Island, as we were keen on the winter sports. We had a mutual friend near Arrowtown who had moved

from the Waikato to the Maniototo, as it is the ‘Centre of Curling’.

“By then I was involved with the New Zealand Olympic Committee, and the curling guys told me that Naseby hosts New Zealand‘s sole natural ice luge track, the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.

“They were excited about a new idea – a curling rink at Naseby. So we did that, and opened the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated, year-round, international-standard indoor curling rink there.

“In 2012, the International Olympic Committee started the Winter Youth Olympics. A boy from Dunedin went to that first one in Austria, in 2020 a boy from Wanaka and a girl from Dunedin went to Switzerland, and in 2024 we had a girl from Naseby compete.

“There is a boy, Luka, from Christchurch, with family in Naseby, who goes over each winter and coaches in a programme run by the International Luge Association.

“I am Treasurer of the International Luge Federation and it is great to see the sport develop here and be involved internationally.”

Become an archaeologist for the day

Atwo day Holiday programme that’s exciting, educational and fun. Entry is by Koha and open to families and archaeology fans of all ages. Wednesday 21 January and Thursday, 22 January from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Try your hand at excavation, take part in archaeology themed activities and talk to archaeologists about their artefacts and work. Discover what it takes to be an archaeologist in this hands-on family event. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – Thames School of Mines, are honoured to have Heritage New Zealand staff and archaeologists from around the motu join us and share their expertise. The team will provide an exciting range of archaeology themed activities at the old Carnegie Library as the final 2 days of the Thames School of Mines Summer Holiday Program. This is a chance to bring along any questions for archaeologists about what they do, the things they find, as well as any questions

about archaeology as a career.

Make sure to wear old clothes as you might get dirty while practising your excavation skills. You will get to take part in digging, excavating, cleaning, sorting, researching and recording the artifacts you find buried below the surface.

You’ll also have the chance to try on real archaeologist’s gear and have a turn at learning about and using the equipment archaeologists use in all areas of their field work.

We will also have a Junior Archaeologist activity booklet that kids can get stamped at

each activity. Once you have four stamps you can emboss your own Thames School of Mine gold sticker and choose a small bag of gems to take home.

Venue: Thames School of Mines – Carnegie Library, 705 Queen Street, Thames Cost: Free but koha appreci-

ated. No booking required. „ For any questions, or more information, please contact: Kate Coatsworth – Visitor Services Co-Ordinator/ Education, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Email: kcoatsworth@heritage.org.nz Phone: 0272205249. Website is www.heritage.org.nz

ALL ABOARD IN THAMES FOR 2026

The Thames Small Gauge Railway near Thames waterfront is an adventure full of delight for children, but you can see from the photos that this enjoyment is not just the domain of children. Adults love it and there are some teens who love the engineering aspect and who are also very adept train drivers of these small gauge trains. It is

There is over 900 metres of track running along the picturesque Thames foreshore for this every Sunday Summer attraction. It runs through Victoria Park, just north of the Goldfields Mall. You can find it in Brown street or at the west end of Cochrane Street (waterfront end). PakNSave is a quick walk away and there are picnic tables

and toilets close by in Victoria Park.

The Rail Heritage Trust owns the station assets and leases them out to rail heritage groups such as in Thames. The trust is funded by KiwiRail. A keen

group of volunteers keep the experience rolling for locals and tourists alike. Make no mistake; this is very much a community driven and community loved venture.

There have been many fami-

lies who have booked train rides for a birthday party or other special gathering. Group bookings can be made any time, by prior arrangement.

Rides cost only $2 per ride for 3-year-olds and over. Of course it

is weather permitting but if it is not raining, the trins are running every Sunday in Summer from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The season for operating is every Sunday is generally from October to April. „ +64 27 634 2868

Leave a lasting legacylasting to communitthe y you love

What is an endowment fund?

An endowment is a philanthropic investment fund that is created through generous people making donations or leaving bequests in their Wills. e invested funds then generate long-term ongoing income for the charitable groups or projects nominated by the donors or bequestors and/or the Fund’s Deed. e original principal is kept intact, providing a revenue stream to the non-pro t recipient forever.

• How are these local endowments invested?

e Mercury Bay Future Fund, and any ‘Named Funds’ set up by locals, are managed by Momentum Waikato, one of 18 community foundations around New Zealand. Momentum’s various funds make up its investment portfolio managed by Craigs Investment Partners and JBWere, overseen by its experienced Investment Committee.

• How can I and/or my family set up an endowment fund?

You should rst contact the two ‘Fund Champions’ in Mercury Bay – Peter Farmer and Geo Balme. Contact details are set out below. A er contact, Peter and Geo will guide you through the process and advise you on potential local non-pro t recipients for the income from your invested bequest.

e experienced team at Momentum will then organise a meeting at a date and time of your convenience, to con rm your lawyer’s support, ensure all arrangements meet your expectations, and then sign your Bequest Plan.

• Is there a minimum dollar ($$$) amount?

e Mercury Bay Future Fund welcomes donations and bequest pledges of any size from residents or visitors. You can make one-o or regular contributions to this Fund, which will then use the resulting income to make annual disbursements to Mercury Bay charities and projects.

e Mercury Bay Future Fund was o cially launched by Sir Stephen Tindall in October last year to assist and facilitate Endowment Fund bequest giving here, providing a lasting legacy to our community. MY NEXT STEP: Contact either of your two Fund Champions Peter Farmer | E: peter@farmerautovillage.co.nz Geo Balme | E: gbalme@xtra.co.nz

OR, you can establish your own NAMED FUND to provide perpetual support to the charities of your choice, with a donation or bequest of $50,000 or more.

• What if I am not a permanent resident?

ere are many non-permanent residents here in Mercury Bay. It is estimated that up to 50% of local Named Endowment Funds will be formed by non-residents who are determined to leave a lasting legacy to this community that they love.

• What are typical non-pro t recipients from a named endowment bequest?

e essential aspect we stress is that YOU decide the recipient(s) of YOUR Named Fund.

e Mercury Bay Future Fund itself will typically support local medical facilities and equipment, rescue helicopters, sports clubs, education needs, and tackling deprivation.

Mercury Bay Future Fund

MOMENTUM WAIKATO

Proudly Sponsored by Farmer Autovillage and Farmer Family

Award Winning Writers showcased at Annual Art Challenge, Whangamata

The Whangamata Arts Collective is celebrating 10 years of the Harcourts Art Challenge with a diversity of artists, writers and poets this coming Anniversary weekend.

BY SHAUN FAY

The 10th Annual Harcourts Art Challenge runs this weekend at the Memorial Hall in Whangamata. There have been record numbers of entries this year in all genres and the star-studded award night on Friday the 23rd will be well attended with strong ticket sales. It’s a favourite event for many creatives on The Coromandel and it continues to grow every year. The event starts on Friday Night 23

January with the announcement of the winners of the awards and carries on through to the Sunday of Anniversary Weekend at Whangamata Memorial Hall where the public can view and buy.

A SPACE FOR WRITERS AT TEN YEAR’S CELEBRATION

This year to celebrate the growing number of writers on The Coromandel, the organising committee has arranged for an “Authors Table” to encourage writing. Heather Watt, Chair of the Arts

Collective loves how it keeps growing.

Included on the table is recent Kings Birthday honours recipient, Dawn McMillian-MNZM with two of her children’s books, Easter Bunny Needs a New Bum and There’s a Crab in my Castle. Also on the table is community councillor Neil Evans books, historian Jonathan Peet with his top selling book Wairata and well-known entertainer on The Coroman-

WIN 2 TICKETS

Neil Diamond Tribute Show featuring Mark Taipari. See page 23

THE MERCURY BAY CLUB

Saturday 7 February 7:30pm Tickets: $20

del, Glen Carley with his book

One Good Love. If you’d like your book to be featured on the “The Authors Table” send an email and someone will be in touch. artscollectivewhanga@gmail.com

The Harcourts Art Challenge awards night is on Friday Night 23 January at the Memorial Hall, Whangamata. Tickets just $25 at the Information Centre and then 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Harcourts Art Challenge 2026 Prize giving, Friday 23 January, 5.00pm to 8.00pm. Tickets from Discover Whangamata (Info Centre).

Bigs Arts Day Out, Saturday, 24 to Sunday, 25 January, 10.00am to 4.00pm – Whangamata Memorial Hall.

Your beach awaits

Your dream coastal lifestyle

This is your chance to secure one of the very best sections at Wharekaho.

Perched above the coast, these elevated, sun-soaked sites boast sweeping views over the Whitianga Harbour, Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay, Mercury Bay, and the golden sands of Wharekaho.

Local fields of sunshine

t is a 15 minutes journey travelling south of Whitianga off State Highway 25 to your left or just 30 minutes from Tairua travelling north.

The yellow flags will wave at you from the side of SH 25. Sunflower season is at its peak in January and when it’s not raining, the very delightful Sunflower Fields at Tahi Toa Farm offer a seasonal, pick-your-own experience where visitors can stroll through vibrant blooms, pick their own stems, enjoy a picnic, and relax in the heart of Hauraki Coromandel countryside. Anniversary weekend is an ideal time to experience the fields of sunflowers

This is a long-term commercial undertaking by Winona and Andrew both of whom are long -time environmentalists and want to develop a kind of sunflower haven for families while working on some commercial aspects of their sunflower fields. They are very appreciative of the local support from farmers, as a gargantuan amount of clearing and preparation needed to be done to the property to bring about this very joyful sight of sunflowers. Their labour and commitment to their vision is delighting children and visiting families to no end. Winona and Andrew welcome visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm, giving plenty of time to explore, pick flowers, and soak up the colourful rural setting.

When Andrew is not farming

sunflowers, he is one of the Peninsula’s specialists in trees– a very skilled and knowledgeable arborist.

To visit Tahitoa Sunflower farm, the cost is just $5 and this includes selecting a bloom. For

the month of January, it is open most days. Private bookings –tahitoa@proton.me.

„ Location – 1322 Tairua Whitianga Road, Whenuakite SH 25.

Teens to tots enjoy the Water Park

The Water Park came to Whitianga for two weeks this Summer. The previous venue, near Basker and Mobil is now a construction by Waterways – a good thing. The new venue just across Joan Gaskill Drive worked very well for this popular Summer water fun activity.

whitianga GET

Environment Matters

The ‘Triple Standard’ with pollution

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

Amajor daily paper on Monday, 22 December notifies that Auckland’s St. Heliers Bay is closed for swimming due to ‘waste water pollution’ from a stream entering the bay. Officials are investigating the source of the pollution.

The news item goes on to say that Judges Bay , a few kilometres away, has been closed for swimming for years and there is no indication as to when, or if it will be fit for swimming again. The same item also says that Auckland Beaches are often closed when there are heavy downpours. This recurring situation has been ongoing for years and as the news item says, there is no end in sight. In the current pollution there has been no heavy downpours in recent days, therefore there will have to be another excuse.

DIFFERENT (OR DOUBLE) STANDARDS FOR URBAN AND RURAL

The Councils and the Environment Court do not take legal action against urban pollution. There have been spillages as stated in Auckland, but also in

Taupo, Wellington and more, for example Christchurch. That is the double standard; – one for urban and one for rural New Zealand. The third (triple) standard is that a poison is not a poison if a resource consent is issued. Unbelievably, a simple ‘Handlers Certificate’ nullifies the poisonous brew and this has been

‘Ruled by the High Court’ that poison is not a poison, provided you read the label on the container. The rainfall is in the midst of the pollution and the rainfall is everywhere at times. Auckland frequently admits that their drainage systems cannot cope and with the amount of sealed and concrete surfaces, this is

entirely believable.

However, when the piggery north of Te Aroha was prosecuted, extreme rainfall apparently had nothing to do with the escape of the effluent. Environment Court Judge Melinda Dickey made an astonishing order to not allow any more effluent escape.

I believe The Judge should fill

a container brim full and then demonstrate how more liquid can be put in the container without it spilling.

MISGUIDED MANAGEMENT

King Canute tried to hold back the tide and failed back in 900 AD. Environment Waikato CEO, Patrick Lynch, is in charge of the prosecutions. The Councillors are not in charge of this process. Environment Waikato is quite simply a 2P outfit – one P for poison and one P for prosecution. Their motto should be ‘poison and prosecute.’ However it would be enlightening, if the prosecution department and the Environment Court could explain how taking $437,000 off the Piggery owners, would enable them to overcome the problem. The positive action would be to help solve the problem.

A LINGERING QUESTION

There is no doubt that Geoffrey Palmer and Simon Upton passed this policy into law with the Resource Management Act (RMA) citing ‘enforcement action may be taken’, so is there another agenda at the bottom of all of this” Is it to destroy industry using the environment as a ploy to do so, whilst poisoning the same environment?

A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel 2 BEDROOM VILLAS NOW

Letters to the Editor

The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.

BEST ARTICLE FOR 2026

I have been reading from the Business Section of the weekend NZ Herald dated 10.01.26. Without question Cecelia Robinson has come up with the best journalism I have read for quite sometime. She has made five New Year resolutions that are worth making not just in our homes but as a country.

I will list these five points with a line from each resolution: 1. “Be more positive and optimistic about what is already work-

ing”, it’s about believing what can be solved.

2. “Make the brave decisions we keep avoiding”, if we are serious about building a sustainable future we need to do it now.

3. “Stop outsourcing childhood and attention to screens”, parents scrolling, siblings hunched over phones or smart watches – screens filling every quiet moment.

4. “Do things smarter, not just spend more”, spending becomes a way to avoid harder questions –

but money is not a substitute for thinking.

5. “Rebuild community and how we treat one another”, community exists just as much online as it does offline and the way we behave in both spaces matter. These are just some quotes taken from an excellent article written by Cecelia Robinson and emphasises the need for communities to work together to achieve their goals for 2026.

Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga

HEADS UP BRITAINIGANS!

I have just been told by our travel agent that new rules regarding entry into the UK and Ireland are about to come into force – mid February in fact.

Here’s the shocking news; if you (like my wife and I) have dual nationality of the UK and NZ then you will have to have a valid UK passport in order to enter the UK!

For decades I have travelled without a problem using just my NZ passport, and entering the UK easily. My UK passport expired

TWO GREAT VALENTINE’S EVENTS

a decade ago, but now I have to renew it.

The process is challenging and costly. So far it’s cost £127 (for passport and return of it to me from the UK) plus $121 to post both my old UK passport and my current NZ one. Add in $20 for a photo and together it’s around NZ$400!

My understanding is that a passenger who doesn’t have a valid UK passport may not be allowed to board their flight. Check the website for details: www.gov.uk. Alistair Bailey

MERCURY BAY

Travel with Sarah Jane

Discover Waipu: A slice of Scotland

Waipu is a coastal town in Northland.

In the 19th century, a unique wave of immigrants arrived in the Waipu district, bringing with them a devout Protestant faith, the Gaelic language, and a vibrant Highland culture. For these pilgrims, Waipu became a permanent sanctuary where bagpipes played, Gaelic schools thrived, and a hardworking farming community took root. Today, the legacy lives on through the annual Highland Games, a worldclass museum, and a community of passionate volunteers dedicated to telling this remarkable story of migration to Aotearoa.

FAME AND NOTORIETY

• The Iron Minister: The charismatic and controversial Rev. Norman McLeod led over 800 settlers from the Scottish Highlands to Nova Scotia, then Australia, and finally New Zealand in the 1850s. Whether viewed as an autocratic demagogue or a devoted shepherd, his impact is undeniable.

• Literary & athletic roots: Waipu is the setting for Fiona Kidman’s acclaimed novel The Book of Secrets and the hometown of Paralympic bronze medalist cyclist, Fiona Southorn.

• The Busby controversy: His-

tory buffs will note the "notoriety" of James Busby, who purchased 100,000 acres in the area just six weeks before the Treaty of Waitangi (which forbade such private sales). This questionable land grab remains a significant part of the local historical dialogue.

TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE

• Waipu Museum: A "must-visit" to understand NZ’s own "Pilgrim Fathers" story.

• Market Magic: Browse the Saturday Market or the Boutique Sunday Market at Coronation Hall for one-of-a-kind local treasures.

• Waipu Caves: Experience the magic of glow worms and limestone stalactites.

• Bream Bay Outdoors: Enjoy

horse riding, bird watching, or surfing on the pristine white sands of Waipu Cove and Langs Beach.

WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE

1. The Highlander: Strike a pose with a sword or bagpipes outside the Waipu Museum.

2. Riverside Serenity: Capture the peaceful ducks and water reflections at the Waihoihoi Reserve.

3. The Coastal Trek: Walk the track from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach for panoramic views of the Hen and Chicken Islands.

FESTIVALS:

• January 1st every yearHighland Games (since 1871):

Experience heavy lifting, pole throwing, and piping.

• Easter – The massive Easter Carnival: A local favourite for families.

• July – Waipu in Tartan: A month-long celebration featuring "Wearable Arts" with a Celtic twist.

TRAVELLER’S ESSENTIALS

• Best time to go: Any time! If it rains, the museums, boutiques, and cozy cafes offer a perfect retreat.

• Population: 2,712 (2018 Census).

• A friendly warning: Beware the "Baby Bootie Temptation." The local markets have such cute knitwear, you'll find yourself buying booties even if you don’t know any babies!

WHAT TO DO NEARBY WAIPU Nature & Adventure (Under 20 mins away)

• Spotting glow worms in the caves.

• Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve: Just 15 minutes west of the village. You can explore the main cave for free (bring a headlamp and prepare for mud) to see incredible glow worms and sta-

lactites.

• Piroa Falls: A short, easy 10-minute walk leads you to a stunning waterfall and a popular swimming hole. It’s located on Waipu Gorge Road and is a local favorite for a quick dip.

• Waipu Coastal Walkway: This 1.5 to 2-hour walk connects Waipu Cove and Langs Beach. It features the famous "Pancake Rocks" (limestone formations similar to Punakaiki) and spectacular views of the Hen and Chicken Islands.

BEACHES & SURF (THE "BREAM BAY" ARC)

• Waipu Cove: The hub for swimming and surfing. It has a great surf life-saving club, a café (The Cove), and a shallow estuary at the south end that is perfect for toddlers.

• Langs Beach: Known for its pinkish-white sand and stunning coastal homes. It’s a bit more "scenic and serene" than the Cove—perfect for a long walk or a quiet swim.

• Uretiti Beach: A massive, straight stretch of white sand perfect for long walks or horse trekking. It also has a well-known DOC campsite right behind the dunes.

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Plans to replace Whitianga Pontoon progress

Our Council is renewing Whitianga’s existing pontoon which, due to its condition, has deteriorated to a point where it needs to be replaced.

Resource consent has been granted to replace the pontoon with a safer, more accessible version.

Initial plans, studies and concept designs have been shared with primary pontoon users. Now resource consent has been granted, our Council will approach the market for a suitable contractor to carry out the work. Construction on the new pontoon is expected to be completed mostly

COUNCIL WORKSHOPS MADE PUBLIC

Council workshops will now be open to the public in order to promote greater transparency.

Previously, these workshops (non-decision-making forums for briefings or exploring issues) had been closed. Now workshop dates and topics will be published in advance, and the public can attend in-person or online. Notes of what was discussed will be published on our website afterwards.

Check out all Council and Community Board meetings here tcdc.govt.nz/meetings

Every drop counts

Over the summer we’re asking you to be careful with water use – particularly outside with sprinklers, paddling pools or hoses.

With drier weather and more visitors, the pressure on Council’s water supply systems increases. We’re monitoring water availability closely. Where necessary, we’ll put in place water restrictions. They’ll be announced on local radio, our website and Facebook page.

Thames Valley (Matatoki, Pūriri, Ōmahu, Wharepoa and Hikutaia) already has a watering ban, with no use of hoses and sprinklers, filling up paddling pools or washing cars, boats, decks or houses. Essential garden watering with a hand-held watering can only is permitted.

Check out water conservation tips at tcdc.govt.nz/savewater

off-site, minimising disruption on pontoon users as much as possible. The actual site works, once started, will likely take four to six weeks subject to stable sea and weather conditions.

Work is expected to start in June 2026, pending market availability. Our Council is working with Whitianga Ferry to arrange a temporary ferry berth to maintain transport links during construction.

Find out more about the design and view renders online at tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangapontoon

New Coromandel Tracks and Trails Guide

20 January 2026

WATER DELIVERY PLAN

Council has approved an updated operating expenditure budget of $234,000 for the 2025/26 year to help with implementation of our Water Services Delivery Plan. It’s $400,000 less than the initial forecast if we’d gone into partnership with nearby councils.

Council has reaffirmed our intention to continue progressing an internal business unit for water services under the Local Water Done Well reform. At the same time we’re also exploring partnership opportunities with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

tcdc.govt.nz/lwdw

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

A reminder that we’re in a restricted fire season. This means a fire permit is required for any open-air fires across the district. Private fireworks are also banned. Check if fire in your area is allowed and apply for a permit at checkitsalright.nz or call 0800 658 628. Let’s help keep our communities safe this summer.

Rediscover the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula on foot, by bike or with a four-legged friend. Our brand new digital guide makes outdoor adventures easy. Explore the Coromandel through interactive maps grouped by area, or by your choice of sole or journey type. It’s packed with hikes with spectacular views; short, easy town walks exploring art and culture; paths to gorgeous swimming spots; mountain biking trails; and dog walking or horse riding routes. tcdc.govt.nz/coromandeltrails

CATHEDRAL COVE

Anyone planning to visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove is encouraged to plan their parking before arriving in Hāhei.

The carpark at the top of Grange Road in Hāhei where the walkway begins remains permanently closed to parking. It’s available for drop-off and pick-up only. There is no parking along Grange Road itself. Parking can be found at the free Council-run visitors carpark at the village entrance.

Paid parking is also available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail on Lees Road, a little bit out of Hāhei.

A map of where to park can be found a tcdc.govt.nz/cathedral-cove-parking and doc.govt.nz/cathedral-cove-walk

Know your local dog rules

Follow our traffic light signs to understand our dog rules. Our default rule is that dogs are to be kept on lead; so when in doubt, keep your dog on a lead.

Green signs denote exercise areas: You can have your dog off lead, but it must be under control at all times.

Orange signs denote on lead areas: Your dog must remain on lead for times noted on the sign.

Red signs denote prohibited areas: This means no dogs at all. Most beach area prohibitions are either during the dotterel nesting season from Labour Weekend to 1 March, or over the summer period and holiday weekends. We also have areas that are prohibited all year round.

tcdc.govt.nz/dogrules

Hon Scott Simpson

Our MP speaks on vision Photo creatives run wild

The Informer asked if I could write a message for the visitors and residents on The Coromandel for our Auckland Anniversary weekend. It’s been great to see our towns packed with people enjoying themselves this summer break.

I have valued being able to spend more time out and about in the electorate spend a bit more time in the electorate, and I’ve been making the most of it. A highlight has been attending the numerous community events held around our region and I want to acknowledge the volunteers who have made these days possible. It can be a thankless and stressful task to put on a public event, but they make our communities more vibrant, especially over the New Year period.

I offer a big shout out for everyone who has been working

over this busy period, especially those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. You do a terrific job welcoming people to our region and making them feel at home during their stay. Your excellent work is an essential part of why we are seen as the place to spend the summer and I’m sure that you’ve helped to create some lasting memories.

I’m always impressed by the amazing inspirational business flair shown by so many local entrepreneurs. Alan Hopping is the founder and creative visionary behind Whitianga’s now very famous Lost Spring spa. I had a recent opportunity to visit Alan and to learn more about his big plans for future expansion of the business and wow… they are big plans. It’s taken Alan many years to bring his original concept for a natural hot spring spa

facility to fruition. Those of you who know Alan and his story will understand the gritty, and at times, just shear stubborn determination he’s shown over this years in order to ensure The Lost Spring is now an iconic part of the Whitianga and wider Coromandel community experience for visitors and locals alike. Fortunately, Alan is not alone. He is but one of the many hundreds of like minded, visionary business operators bringing their imagination, vision, skills and determination to their ventures. We’re all better off for having them in our region and for the boost they each bring to our local economy. There will be General Election at some point this year, and we have much to do to prepare for that. In the meantime the Government is working hard progressing its legislative agenda.

Bring your collectables and antiques

BY PAM FERLA

Do you have an antique or treasured collectable tucked away and you’d like to know its value? Maybe you’d like to know more of its history.

Tairua Heritage Society is holding an Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day Fair on Sunday 25 January, with special guest valuer, Adam Archer.

It is at Tairua Bowling Club from 10.00am – 2.00pm and this special fundraising event will help the society secure a permanent home for displays of local heritage.

Adam Archer has 35 years’ experience as former Peach Grove Antiques dealer. He invites you to bring your antiques and collectables to the event for his professional appraisal and valuation.

by Tairua Heritage Society on its mission to secure a permanent home for its growing collection of heritage photographs and artifacts.

Tairua Heritage Society committee member and organiser of the event, Nola Langford, said it was a great opportunity for local people to find out about their treasures, support the society’s fundraising and have an enjoyable day.

December’s topic was Creative Photography and gave members of Whitianga Photographic Club free rein to let their imaginations run wild.

Thank you to Brian Turner LPSNZ for his time and expertise in judging both the competition entries and our Photo of the Month.

BEST ENTRY: ‘THE SELF SHE CARRIES’ BY KATE BEAUCHAMP

Summary of judge’s comments:

“An intriguing capture of a portrait that seems to tell me that this person is not bound by society norms. I find this modern conceptual image has strong creative intent that engages the viewer.”

Honours

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: ‘TICKET TO RIDE’ BY JAYNE PARKER

Summary of judge’s comments:

“I was truly intrigued by this natural history moment, showing a sense of cooperation between the two reptiles. The textures are

“Ticket

outstanding. Overall, I feel this is a technically strong and memorable wildlife image with excellent timing and impact.” Honours Congratulations to Kate and Jayne. All the December entries are on Whitianga photographic Club’s public Facebook page. The theme for January challenge is Portrait Photography.

New Zealand firefighters deployed to Victoria

BY FIRE AND EMERGENCY NEW ZEALAND

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has sent 22 firefighters to Victoria today, following a formal request from Emergency Management Victoria.

The contingent consists of 20 firefighters experienced in arduous conditions, and two liaison officers.

They will return to New Zealand on 2 February.

Victoria is experiencing extreme weather conditions with multiple bushfires, which have already caused loss of life and extensive damage to homes, property and the environment.

There will also be collectables as well as local history publications for sale, plus fun events to ensure you enjoy the day.

The fair is one of the special fundraising events organised

Up to five items will be appraised, with donations towards fundraising.

The Tairua Heritage Centre offers a rich and welcoming window into the history of Tairua, Hikuai, and Pauanui. Their dilemma is that soon they will have no physical place to house their excellent historic collection which is indeed a precursor to having a museum.

„ The Collectabes Fair for Tairua Heritage Society Tairua Bowling Club – 10.00am –2.00pm Sunday, 25 January.

One of the crews is from the Department of Conservation, one is from the forestry industry and the other two crews comprise volunteer firefighters from Fire and Emergency brigades around the country.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says the firefighters who have been selected for this deployment are all experienced at working on complex wildfires in difficult terrain and hot temperatures. Their taskings will be confirmed when they reach Melbourne, but they are equipped and ready to stay at a fire camp in a remote location.

RETRACTION FOR PAGE 13 IN LAST WEEKS ISSUE

“Prohibited Fire Season” is incorrect. It is a “Restricted Fire Season” for Thames-Coromandel. Go to checkitsalright.nz.

– Editor

Games & Puzzles WIN!

Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.

ACROSS

1. Pile of earth (5)

7. Obvious (8)

8. Chose (5)

10. Impractical visionary (10)

12. Clutching (8)

14. One time (4)

16. Castle ditch (4)

17. Escapes (8)

20. Alpine landslides (10)

23. Squally (5)

24. Confection on a stick (8)

25. Curved (roof) (5)

1. Making cow sound (6) 2. Have (to) (4) 3. Mimicked (4)

4. Stupefies (5)

Not temporary (9)

Go hungry (6)

Smears (5)

Pleasant tasting (9) 13. Pen tip (3) 15. Spiral fastener (5) 16. Paltry (6) 18. Remained (6)

Ship’s room (5)

Food preparer (4) 22. Grain facilitystorage (4)

What’s On

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust

Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm.

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. 9.30am-1pm Wed-Sat. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome.

SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Tuesday 27 January, Friday 13 February. Whitianga Community Service Trust Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga.

American Muscle Street and Custom Club

Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.

Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information.

Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383. Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.

Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Connect over morning tea with others who understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Waikato to register at 07 859 1260. Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Jo on 021 264 3753. Tairua Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of the month all year at Tairua Community Hall, 9am till 1pm. Food, fruit and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, furniture, books and much more.

FORTNIGHTLY

Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.

Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.

Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@ outlook.com

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.

Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz.

Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.

WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674.

Chess Club – s 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@ hotmail.com

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag.

Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm.

Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood.

Cooks Beach Care Group – on summer break back early February. To learn more: www. cooksbeachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook. com/CooksBeachCareGroup”

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club –Wednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community Centre (Hall). New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944.

Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ When: Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm Where: The Anglican Church Hall, Coromandel Town.

Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797.

Elevate Fitness – Strength and balance class using chair, sitting and standing exercises –Monday and and Thursday 9:00am Whitianga Town Hall, $10, ACC approved. Aqua Fit Water Workout, Hot Water Beach Resort, $20 including soak in spa, 11:30am Monday and Thursday. Movement to Music exercise class –strength & cardio, The Embassy of Friendship, Coghill Street. Call Nicole 021 0265 2693.

Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015.

Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, 4 courts at MBAS gym. Please note club nights currently limited to existing club members due to high attendance levels. Contact: Steve 027 211 3568

Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.

Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.

Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Our Club sessions start again during the first week of February 2026. For more information, phone Gavin on 021 146 9203.

Mercury Bay Community Choir – Meets Mondays 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the music

room Mercury Bay Area School. Friendly

inclusive non auditioned choir. All welcome. For enquiries phone Kate 027 2709058.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, Phone: 022 104 1701 please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club – Will recommence in March 2026, Phone Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 667 for more information.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club - At the Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members Only 5.30-7.30pm; Saturdays Social & New Players 9.30-11.30am; Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Members, Visitors & Guests $5, a complimentary session is available to new players wanting to trial pickleball. Membership is only $20 PA and can be completed online at www.mercurybaypickleball.co.nz Contact Tony 021 426 150. Mercury Bay Sports Park sessions are weather dependant & advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5 -7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am

Contact Grant 022 383 6351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club-Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 027 843 2683 or refer their facebook page. Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/ enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@ gmail.com

Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.

Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570.

Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. net.nz

Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146.

Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079.

Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726.

Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com

Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am-4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – NEW LOCATION - 18 Abrahamson Drive, Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn 0274-952-015. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947.

Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info.

Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss

Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

Yoga for Everyone - beginners/retirees/ inflexibles welcome. Tues 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25/90 minute session. Txt Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.

DANCING

Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454

Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran. com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.452.30pm; Thursdays absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers/seniors 12.452.30pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155.

Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class - Tuesday’s weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town Hall supper room. All ages welcome. Marilyn Swan,experienced professional teacher of Dance.M: 0273365263 E; swanebbs@gmail. com

Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St, $7 per session. New Beginners, Wed 2.30-3.30pm, Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; . Contact Kathy 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750

Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.

GROUP INFO

Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com

Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 4226.

SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated –Learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Sheryll Carruthers 021 022 62504 or email seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail.com.

Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact John 027 366 4606.

Whitianga Gun Club – For information, phone Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 or Graham Sutcliffe on 021 846 655.

Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043.

FUTURE EVENTS:

Friday, 23 January – The Harcourts Art Challenge 2026 Prize giving –see page 9

Saturday, 24 January – Wings & Wheels – see page 13

Saturday, 24 January – Bigs Arts Day Out – see page 9

Sunday 25 January – Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day Fair –see page 17

Sunday, 25 January – Family Picnic at the Whitianga Bike Park – see page 13

Friday, 6 February – Waitangi Ki Whitianga – see page 13

Libraries this Summer ready for you Discover, Connect, Enjoy – It’s a Promise!

BY VERNA CARR

Who says libraries are just about quiet reading?

This summer, Thames Coromandel District libraries are providing the coolest hangout spots for children and adults during the school holidays!

From 13 January to 29 January, Mercury Bay Library, Thames Library, and Tairua Library are throwing open their doors for three weeks of creative chaos and fun. With nine FREE sessions running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am to 11:30am, there's no shortage of entertainment. Best of all? No bookings needed – just rock up and join in!

This past Thursday morning –15 January at Mercury Bay Library, the craft tables were buzzing with excitement as kids tackled the "clucking chicken cups" (go on, try saying it three times fast!). Under the watchful guidance of helpful librarians, young creators transformed ordinary cups into feath-

ered masterpieces – colourful feathers, paper beaks, and stick on googly eyes – just about clucked like real chickens.

"I enjoy being at the library because I like reading," said Hannah Deadman, a young volunteer lending a hand with the holiday activities. "Assisting with the

school holiday sessions is fun because I like helping people."

Sure, you can borrow the latest bestseller or that book everyone's talking about, but libraries offer so much more. They're treasure troves where you can stumble upon unexpected gems you'd never have discovered scrolling through your phone. Plus, librarians are

Trades & Services

basically superheroes in cardigans. They're experts at tracking down information, recommending perfect reads, and connecting you with resources you didn't even know existed. Think of them as your personal guides through the universe of knowledge.

Thames Coromandel District libraries have other programs:

Toddler Time for the little ones, STEM programs (that's Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – disguised as fun!), plus games and puzzles for all ages. Oh, and don’t forget the free internet and computer access.

So here's the challenge: households to put down the device or the TV remote and head to your local library, and discover what you've been missing – pondering puzzle pieces, borrowing books, or browsing book to book, this summer is your chance to see what libraries are really about. They're community gathering spaces where people from all walks of life come to explore, create, and connect.

„ For more information about session times and what's happening at each location, pop into Mercury Bay Library, Thames Library, or Tairua Library, or check the Thames-Coromandel District libraries website. https://www. tcdc.govt.nz/Facilities-and-Recreation/Libraries/Whats-On/January-School-Holiday-Programme.

treatment, exterior window cleaning or general waterblasting, 100m hose so access no problem. Phone 0800 737 777 or andy direct 027 313 4386 email: atlasgroup@xtra.co.nz

Trades & Services

STUMP GRINDING SERVICES

Classifieds

POSITIONS

CLEANER / RECEPTIONIST

“I

MERCURY BAY CLUB

DARTS

Every Tuesday

The first night of the New Year 25 players turned up, so we played double. There was one team unbeaten after four rounds, so they were the winners. It was Fletcher Bale and Colin Jessop. The highest finish of the night was 108 and that was scored by Steve Pointing. A great night was had by everyone. Please come again next Tuesday evening and bring a friend too !!

THE MATARANGI

DUNES GOLF CLUB

18 Hole Mens’ Stableford Haggle Wed 14 Jan

Results: 1 Nick Lambert 41, 2 Robert Fisken 40, 3

Darren Gribble 38.

TWO’S: Rod Stephen, Ross Johnson, Peter Sharp # 7

Selwyn Knaggs #9

Trevor Martin #18

Nearest The Pin #18: Trevor Martin 18 Hole Ladies Stableford Thur 15 Jan

Results: 1 Chrissie Smith 36, 2 Raewyn MacCormick (Remuera) 34.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday, 14 January

A good turnout of 9 players saw some very close games contested in section play but it was the experienced Peter Schultz and the in-form Dave Coleman who came through with 3 wins each. The final was a cat and mouse

affair with excellent safety and escape shots from both players, but it was Dave who made the crucial shots towards the end of the game enabling him take out the day’s top prize. Those with 2 wins included Kevin Taylor, Rob Reilly and Bob Haase who also made the highest break of the day with 22.

Saturday, 17 January

Eight players battled out the section play with Greg Murphy emerging as the only player to register 3 wins out of three and hence take out the day’s top prize-money. Rob Reilly, Kevin Taylor and Bob Haase finished with 2 wins each. No highest break was recorded.

Mercury Bay Rugby news

The rugby season is coming.

COACHES

Senior A’s: We have three co-coaches for the Senior A's this season: Conor McVerry, Cody Muir, and Adam Coyle

Probably the youngest set of coaches for a Senior team in the whole country, but these three have the credentials, mana, support and enthusiasm to do the job.

Overseeing them is our Rugby Manager “The Don” Edgecombe and Ted McVerry.

Senior B's: the Coach will be Anthony Baskett and Manager Bruce Troughear.

We are seeking someone to assist Anthony coach the Senior B’s.

Training: The first official training saw over 30 players turning up. Excellent start.

LYON PARK GROUNDS

The grounds are going through a transformation. The topsoiling and under sowing has worked a treat and with Chris

Costello doing a great job keeping it watered, the turf is now level, thick and lush.

New goalposts: These have arrived and will be installed in the next fortnight. New scoreboard: This is almost complete and will be installed directly.

Funding received through Aotearoa Gaming Trust is for an outdoor defibrillator which will be install near the main entrance to the Club.

UNDER 85 KG TENS TOURNAMENT

This is a 10-a-side tournament involving 8 club teams from Nth Harbour, Auckland, Waikato and Thames Valley. This is a one-day event similar to sevens tournaments.

This is the brainchild of John “Sheep” McKenzie who has done an amazing amount of work getting this off the ground. Next week, details of draw, game times etc.

• Sat 21 Feb – Mercury Bay Under 85kg Tens Tournament.

• Fri 6 Mar – Town v Country. Mate v Mate, State v State

• Tues 10 Mar – Kubota Classic Registration Night

• Sat 14 Mar – Kubota

Classic Prizegiving Night.

• Sat 11 April – First Competition Game. Keep up to date on our website, Facebook, Instagram or go to The Whitianga Hotel. There's always someone there that knows everything.

LATE BREAKING NEWS

New All Blacks Head Coach seen arriving at NZ Rugby HQ.

WIN 2 TICKETS

Email: info@theinformer. co.nz with the subject

to Neil Diamond Tribute Show’ along with your name and phone

For Movie Lovers!

Jan‘26

Hamnet and Song Sung Blue are officially fan favourites. Two sold-out sessions in the first two days.

Some holidaymakers have headed home, but plenty are still soaking up summer, so if you’ve got your heart set on those cosy back-row seats, booking ahead is a very good idea.

From Monday, 2 February, we’ll be resuming Mondays off during school term time and closed on Waitangi Day

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND = MOVIE MAGIC!

All movies (excluding National Theatre) will be just $12 for everyone, Friday through Monday. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up on those summer films you didn’t quite get to.

Kia pai te wiki, and we’ll see you at the cinema!

Anne-Maree and Matt McDougall, Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas

Sand, competition and fun at Pauanui Beach

BY LILY PAULSEN

Once again, the Summer Sandcastle Series came to the Coromandel region for the annual sandcastle competition held every year in January.

Pauanui Beach was cluttered with contestants and tents as the sandcastle competition took place over the second weekend of January down from the Surf Club. As soon as it began, the crowd gathered in their teams of up to six. The sun was scorching hot and ice creams and sunblock were the order of the day by Tip Top, Popsicle and The Surf Life Saving Club of Pauanui.

This sandcastle competition is put on every year by the Pauanui Summer Series which is proudly presented by the Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club. Other sandcastle competitions like this were held in places throughout the Coromandel and other beach areas. including, Whiritoa, Whitianga, Hehei, Waihi Beach, Tairua, Whangamata, Onemana, Matauri Bay,

Paihia, Ruakaka and Omaha and so contestants have all year to prepare for the highly anticipated yearly event. The beach towns are very fortunate to have activities like this for both adults and children to enjoy and entertain particuarlly throughout the holidays. Pauanui’s sandcastle competiton was proudly sponsored by House Of Knives and CFM, Popsicle, Hellers and TipTop were back as supporters.

Whitianga Boat

Do you like to do your own maintenance work?

Walking the length of some of the beach proved there were many beautiful and unique makes, so delightful to the eye. Popular sandcastles included hammerhead sharks, octopuses (of different shapes and expressions) turtles and mermaids. Amongst these were also other things like crocodiles, a hippopotamus, a turtle on the surf board, a plane, a fish with a fishing rod, a shark

We stock International & Altex antifoul & marine paints, Propspeed, anodes, resin, fibreglass, TruDesign plumbing fittings and so much more!

Phone or email for info: info@whitiangaboatchandlery.co.nz

Phyll 027 4852036 Mitch 027 4852046

Big Trees

Hedging

Palms• Hire Plants

catching an eel behind a boat, a kiwi and turtle riding a wave, castles, a croc shoe, a dolphin, teepee tents and pyramids, a snowman, a pig, a stingray, a tip top spa, the number ‘67’ and a chair.

As Warren read out the winners, the teams were able to celebrate and take a step back to finally get a good look at all their hard work and enjoy their finished their ‘piece de resistance’.

Amongst the winning creations were a shark catching an eel behind a boat, a kiwi and turtle riding a wave, a jet boat with a shark behind, a croc shoe and the ‘catch of the day’. Banana boats and Pop up tents were awarded to the winners and popcorn for all the children. It was a splendid day for everyone. We all look forward to seeing what next year’s great event will bring.

Fruit Trees • Citrus

Bagged Products • Bulk Mulch • Bulk Compost and more...

Open Thurs-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm; others days by phone appointment

Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu

Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz • Native • Ornamental