Issue 1209 12th May 2026

Pauline’s Piece

Building future communities together

Three months is a very short time when it comes to any kind of reform in local government. However, that is the period that central government has given local councils across New Zealand to examine their structure and come up with options more streamlined, effective and sustainable in the future. This is a huge task.

We can’t afford the current structures in terms of cost, efficiency and energy. So, it’s time to cease all of that and find a leaner pathway. It is about cutting out double checking and the double ups. It is about trimming inefficiencies and being more productive. It is about making government simpler and taking some risks to create a new thing.

The priorities of our democracy remain – the wellbeing of our people; the wellbeing of our environment and the wellbeing of our relationship with other communities, regions and nations.

Pages 8 and 9 in this issue of The Informer – present two valuable opinions. The first is by Geoffrey Robinson, a local and very experienced journalist on local government reform and the second piece is from the Chair of Mercury Bay Community Board,

Richard Shelford-Woodcock.

Every resident should at least discuss these with a friend or neighbour. Having a say in our future is NOT a thing of the past.

The Waikato Regional Council is under the microscope. So are the Department of Conservation and our two local councils, Thames Coromandel District Council and Hauraki which sits across the base of the Coromandel. This journey is about forming working

relationships with other local and regional bodies to enable a longterm productive future – out of commonality in nature and economy and/or what makes geographical boundary sense. There is also the option to create a more ‘stand on our own’ network.

I am travelling just now. I thought I had done enough travel, both for work and leisure. Doing it without Stan is the first time in 47 years. However, it’s going

okay. Seeing different villages and communities at work – sharing food, selling their wares, building houses, growing food, educating their young – making life happen, is a constant reminder that every community has to somehow make things work for their people, wherever we are in the world.

The hometown I grew up in once had a thriving township. Our town of about 20,000 and the surrounding region were faced with the exercise we are facing regarding local and regional councils. The decision finally made that included my hometown shire was a joining together of three districts to make one super effective suburban region. This decision and outworking of it brought electric railway to my hometown – perfect for commuters to Brisbane. Housing projects also began, and a big mall was built a few kilometres out of our township. An industrial and business park emerged – encouraging businesses to move out of the big city to the suburbs.

It all worked. The big centres with the big projects have grown larger. The population has more than doubled. A large hospital has just opened. However, the town centre of my

hometown has died. The commuters avoid the closed shops and the main street is largely deserted. There are no cafes, no retail, homeless members of society hover in the closed shop entrances; vape shops and massage parlours have moved into some of the empty spaces. There is no community.

No one knows what to do to get their town back or to whom they can address this issue. Local government has disappeared to a lofty region somewhere beyond the local ability to communicate concerns and change things. There is no community voice. The welfare of the people has been slowly diminished, and they have no say in the welfare of their environment.

People generally know things are not right, but they have become disengaged from making decisions and don’t have a relationship with those who are making decisions.

The biggest building in my hometown at one end of the very sad town centre is the regional council building. It dwarfs everything except for the district Court. This didn’t have to happen, but it did. Whatever reform we adopt, local communities must determine their own future.

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky

Tuesday, 12 May – The crescent Moon sits high above Saturn and Mars in the eastern pre-dawn sky. Wednesday, 13 May – The crescent Moon, Saturn and Mars are equally spaced in the east before sunrise with Mars the lowest. From 6:04am in the north we can also view the ISS. Thursday, 14 May – The crescent Moon now sits just to the left of Saturn in the predawn sky with slightly fainter Mars lower down. Friday, 15 May – The Moon now sits just beside Mars in the predawn sky while the ISS will make a bright pass in the NE from 6:05am. Saturday, 16 May – Saturn, Mars and the crescent Moon are all equally spaced in the eastern predawn sky with Saturn the highest of the trio. Sunday, 17 May – We have a bright ISS pass from 6:08am in the west moving above the Southern Cross. Tuesday, 19 May – The crescent Moon sits just beside bright Venus at dusk with Jupiter above and to the right in the northwest while in SW morning sky from 6:10am we have a bright ISS pass just touching the Southern Cross. Wednesday, 20 May – The Moon has moved to be directly below Jupiter at dusk with bright Venus lower down. Comet C/2025 R3 has continued to grow dimmer as it steadily moves away from both the Sun, which gave it a tail, and the Earth. It is now really only visible in a telescope and sits just above the bright white star Rigel in Orion just after dusk very low in the northwest. It appears as a faint fuzzy patch low on the horizon moving upwards from night to night. Always keep binoculars or a telescope pointed well away from the Sun as instant blindness can result otherwise. Meanwhile Jupiter and Venus continue to dominate the evening sky with Venus the brighter but lower of the two in the northwest after dusk. Saturn and Mars reside in the eastern predawn sky and the Moon can help us find them this week.

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

BY LIZ SIMS

Mercury Bay Performing Arts have done it again. Last year they produced Aladdin and this year its Beauty and the Beast Jr. This passionate and talented team, led by Fabian Roberts, have brought this lively musical theatre favourite to life. With the memory and popularity of last year’s delightful show, tickets for Beauty and the Beast sold quickly and by the first night of the show, they were sold out.

The cast of over fifty local school students who come from the Eastern Coromandel communities enthusiastically “put their all” into making this show a suc-

cess. Through adept narration, drama, music, songs and dance, we are taken on a magical journey to protagonist Belle’s bustling village. Bright and kind Belle, played beautifully by Olivia Graham, is pursued by the arrogant and boastful Gaston who is deter-

mined to marry her despite her disinterest. Isabella White makes a compelling Gaston and his sidekick, Bonnie Roberts as Le Fou plays the part exceptionally well.

We join Belle’s muddle headed but beloved father Maurice, played right on character by Anabelle Leitch. Maurice wanders off into a forest before being captured and taken to a castle ruled by the cursed BEAST, played so well by Blake Olliff-Paul. Also cursed are the occupants; humans turned into living objects such as a clock, a feather duster, candle holder, teapot and teacup etc. Our protagonist, Belle trades places with her dad and breaks the curse by seeing beyond appearances and

loving the Beast and bringing it all to a most gratifying conclusion.

The village and forest scenes are delightful. The background team worked quickly and innovatively to change the scenes on a darkened stage. The large cast brought these scenes to life. In the bustling French market there is a bakery and bookshop where Belle is perusing books and silly girls are swooning over Gaston.

A shepherd with a delightful flock of sheep passes through (in gorgeous white tutus.) We are treated to some exquisite and graceful young dancers.

We journey into a dark foreboding forest where a pack of well costumed wolves furtively and

menacingly appear. The castle scenes are enhanced by the confident and skilful acting, singing and dancing by all of the “objects”. Their humour is great and the costumes are a work of art with some gorgeous scenes created by lighting them up in the darkened castle.

Whitianga is so fortunate to have the Mercury Bay Performing Arts centre and the skill and motivation of the producers, directors and choreographers. Acknowledgement also to sponsors, the stage crew and all the helpers. However, the memories that will linger are of the energy, skill and confidence of all of the cast. It is a joy to watch and experience.

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Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph 027 271 6182 info@theinformer.co.nz

Tina Cross – a celebration of years in music

BY BEVERLEY SHEPPARD

Iwas privileged to be up front and centre at Saturday night's cabaret with Tina Cross at the Mercury Bay Club. Tina is an iconic figure in New Zealand’s music entertainment industry. With the support of her band, she was true to her incredible reputation.

I had been thinking about what the difference was between singing and entertaining. Last Saturday night, we all had a lesson from one of the great NZ masters of entertainment. Tina opened with the full Shortland Street theme song, stepping onto the dance floor in a sizzling red dress and three-inch heels in front of a packed audience. Her presentation was a lesson in elegance, coupled with her powerful singing to lift the roof and delightful stories from her 50 years in music. We were enthralled. Her ‘JB' as she called him, John Bettison, was also an outstanding, very experienced entertainer. John, who is from Australia and is Tina’s partner, has a brilliant voice and their harmonies created magic together. John is just about to tour with a Barbra Streisand tribute show around Australia.

Tina's sister Martha and her husband Hal were also part of this exceptional evening show. They joined Tina in creating a

cabaret event marking her 50 years' career, that we will all remember for a very long time. Tina sang with Martha a Maori

song given to Tina by their father who was also an entertainer. Tina went on to sing 'Sorrento Moon", "To Sir With Love', 'Nothing But Dreams', "Too Young for Promises' made famous in Australia and then a duet with JB called, "You don't know what it’s like to love somebody". Their sound together was awesome. The continued hush from the crowd with Tina's vocals of "Memories" from the musical CATS proved just how powerful their musical renditions were.

After an interval, Tina Cross graced the audience with blue teal sparkling dress and heelscommanding this second set with her beautiful voice. The Dolly

Parton song, ‘Joelene’, a song in Maori, then JB’s presentation of ‘Loyal’ plus their duet rendition of Barbara Streisand's song, ‘Guilty' delighted everyone. Tina even sang a song she'd written about domestic violence, ‘Walk Away’. Her veteran professionalism, stage presence and intimacy with the audience made the second part of the show a very powerful musical experience.

Dance songs then followed and the crowd flooded the dance floor of Mercury Bay Club.

Thank you Tina Cross for this night to remember and for 50 years of bringing wonderful music to thousands of people across so many cities and countries.

Waterfront Apartments – a top destination celebrates 30 years

Waterfront Apartments celebrates 30 years of continuous operation this year – 2026. These stylish apartments facing the waters of Mercury Bay, right on Buffalo Beach Road, are as popular as ever for international and New Zealand holiday makers. The view is spectacular and as the name says, the water is right out front.

Chris and Gina Sloan, who manage the Waterfront’s eight apartments for their different owners have had a good summer and feel they are very fortunate to live where they do in Whitianga.

After coming to Whitianga once a year for many years for their annual break, Chris and Gina finally made Mercury Bay their home. “We were looking for a way we could manage something together,” says Gina. They lived on Waiheke working in the tourism and hospitality industry. “We had wanted to move from the island and started looking at other places,” says Chris. “Gina has extended family in Whitianga, and we had been coming to the peninsula once a year to spend time with them and have a break. We were very much in favour of a beachside town.”

They had passed the Waterfront Apartments many times and

thought what an iconic building it was and wondered what it would be like to work there.

“We became the Managers in 2021, and the owner Michael very kindly taught us a lot about the business. We liked it so much that when in 2024 he wanted to sell we took up that opportunity to purchase. So now we manage the eight apartments. We love it,” says Gina. “This is a quality lifestyle. There are beautiful scenes everywhere. We don’t need to go anywhere else for a holiday. This is our work, but it often feels as if we’re on vacation.”

Waterfront Apartments is a quality and relaxed accommodation experience. “We really enjoy working together with Anika

our manager, our relief manager Marie and our excellent housekeeping team.” says Gina. “Anika has been in Whitianga even longer than Chris and I and really knows the area well.”

“I have been a traveller too,” says Anika. “After living in Australia for a couple of years I came to New Zealand in 2011 – and never left. I’ve been in Whitianga for the last 13 years and now have an eight-yearold son who has grown up here.”

“I have spent a lot of time working in different places and have learned new skills. I love the different nationalities and enjoy chatting with our many German and Spanish-speaking guests in their native language.”

“We want to understand what

Big weekend for music

our guests are looking for and show them the best of Whitianga and Mercury Bay. If they are travelling all around the Coromandel, we can point them to the great places to experience.”

“A lot of our visitors go to The Thermal Pools at The Lost Spring and Hot Water Beach,” says Gina. “Along with Cathedral Cove these places are the top attractions that bring people here as a destination in the Winter time, and of course the views from Waterfront are spectacular and it is only a few metres to walk before you are part of the view.”

It is easy to see that this is much more than room servicing and reservations for Chris, Gina and Anika. “We share our skills in hos-

pitality. I am definitely the fix-it maintenance person,” says Chris.

“We all love the people aspect and we like dealing face to face with our guests. This business can have its ‘ups and downs’ but the ups far outweigh the downs.”

“This is a good vocation for Chris and me. Waterfront Apartments is our home,” smiles Gina. “Particularly so when the office closes at 6.00pm.”

Thirty years as a top hospitality place on the waterfront ls an excellent milestone. The Waterfront Apartments team is ready to welcome a host of Winter visitors. „ Contact them direct for the best winter deals. Waterfront Apartments, 2 Buffalo Beach Road, Whitianga.

Friday night, 8 May, at Mercury Bay Club was almost as crowded as the Tina Cross event on Saturday night

Vegas Brown was the featured music artist.

He is a legend in this region. Vegas is a great singer, a consummate musician and composer.

His generosity to entertainment in Whitianga and across the Coromandel has assisted the success of many special events and festivals. He gave a great gig at the Mercury Bay Club last Friday night and will be performing again for Matariki on 10 July at Mercury Bay Club. Vegas and his band will also feature at the 2026 Oceans Festival 19 September. See page 10 for ticket details of Oceans Festival.

Local Government Matters

Single-Tier Local Government Coming to the Coromandel

BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON

The Coromandel’s long quest for truly local government could finally become a reality, following Government’s decision to do away with the two-tier system of regional and district councils.

Soon, district residents and ratepayers will have their say as they face a stark choice between a smaller, closer-to-home council reflecting and responsive to local needs, culture and aspirations –or the purported higher efficiency of an urban based all-Waikato supercity.

Local Government Min Simon Watts and RMA Reform Min Chris Bishop last week gave districts and cities exactly three months to present proposals to restructure as unitary councils – combining the functions of regional government and territorial authorities. Under the directive, regional councils will cease to exist as of the 2028 election. The ministers’ announcement followed public consultation on a pathway to local government simplification that was floated in November but widely deemed unworkable. The ministerial notice directs districts to present their high-level restructure plans by August 9 –or have the government do it for them.

HOMEGROWN SUPPORT FOR SIMPLIFICATION

For residents on the Coromandel, the prospect of forming an eastern Waikato unitary council has historically enjoyed strong public support on both coasts. Individuals, businesses and councillors have cited chronic responsibility overlaps, duplications of work, delays, needless costs, and outof-touch decisions as reasons for change. Peninsula residents have paid millions for Lake Taupo cleanup, financing a Cambridge velodrome and covering Maun-

gatautari debts, while awaiting permissions from Hamilton on harbour mangrove removal, coastal erosion management, or rural road slip disposal here.

Dissatisfaction with regional governance came to a head in January 2012 with launch of the “Campaign for a Unitary Coromandel Council” – single-tier local government for the Peninsula and neighbouring Hauraki Plains. With mayoral and councillor backing from TCDC, the proposal advanced through several stages, with staff analysis demonstrating financial viability.

At the same time, Hamilton City Council, with strong backing from business, advanced plans for a complementary “tightfive” unitary council in the west.

Supporters said New Zealand’s fourth-most populous city (and SH1 corridor) represented a single “community of interests” -economic, social and geographic -- and should be governed accordingly. The eastern Waikato, with the largely rural and remote Coromandel and its hundreds of kilometres of coastline, smaller settlements, tourism-dependent economy and older population,

comprises another “community of interests” – completely different and distinct.

But despite strong public backing for both, the dovetailed Coromandel/Hauraki and Greater Hamilton amalgamation plans failed to get across the line. Like a goose with a preview of Christmas dinner, Waikato regional councillors had commenced groundwork for a single, all-Waikato supercity council instead. Political opposition from WRC and elected officials protecting their respective district patches stymied plans for change.

Apart from the politics, technical requirements of the Local Government Act have rendered council reorganisations virtually impossible for decades. Last Tuesday’s press announcement and “Head Start Pathway: Simplifying Local Government” documentation, however, made clear the government’s intention to sweep away the legislative hurdles that have stymied unitary council proponents in the past.

THE MAYOR’S VIEW AND NEXT STEPS

In an interview with this reporter

on Friday, Mayor Peter Revell acknowledged there have been consistent expressions from current and former governments that change is needed. There has been a widely held view that “it’s expensive, it’s confusing, that there are double-ups… I don’t have any trouble agreeing with that,” he said. “I think the narrative that comes out of Wellington, and has done for a number of years, is fair enough and that we need to find a better way for local government…For us, it has not come as a surprise.”

“The second thing I want to be clear about, and feel very strongly about, is that this is a decision that impacts our communities,” the mayor said. “So our communities have to have an absolute say in what happens, whatever direction we might choose to go. We absolutely have to have the communities’ understanding and support.”

Noting that councils are required to work together in developing plans, whether regional or sub-regional in scope, the mayor said it is “really very important that we do understand what our local communities think

and feel about our district being part of, or involved with, another local authority. Our communities need to be front and centre.”

Revell noted, “As a council, we have an initial decision to make, which is whether we want to just wait until 2028 and let the government do what they want to do, or do we want to put something on the table by August 9. We haven’t had a chance to have that discussion, but we will be doing that in the very near future.”

A LOOMING CHOICE

Looking ahead just a few months, the Thames-Coromandel District will be on its way to single-tier local government. But what that will look like is an open question reflecting two sharply different visions.

On one hand, the unitary Coromandel proposal of 2012 remains an attractive option and is seen by many as the best way to preserve (and even increase) local democracy, citizen involvement and community participation. Logical council partners might include all or part of Hauraki District, and possibly Te Aroha and/or Waihi Beach. River catchment management would remain intact. And, importantly, boundary delineations would largely coincide with and reflect Hauraki iwi rohe. There are many options for refinement.

Also possible is an option quickly mooted by WRC last week. WRC’s vision is a sweeping allWaikato unitary supercity council based in Hamilton, encompassing all 10 districts, covering an area five hours drive top to bottom, with existing district representatives serving much like community boards. No specifics offered, but likely to follow an Auckland Council model.

„ (Geoffrey Robinson covered local body reform efforts for the Hamilton News and other Waikato publications from 2011-2014)

Local Government Matters

Ensuring local voices are not lost

Local Government reform needs to focus on Community Boards.

BY RICHARD SHELFORDWOODCOCK

Local government reform is no longer a hypothetical discussion happening in Wellington. It is now a very real conversation taking shape across New Zealand, and councils are beginning to understand that change is coming.

Recent signals from central government around regional council reform, amalgamation, and structural change make one thing increasingly clear: the current model of local government is unlikely to remain unchanged beyond the next electoral cycle.

Whether that results in mergers, the restructuring of regional councils, new governance models, or a redistribution of powers, the direction is becoming hard to ignore. The conversation is no longer about “if” change is coming, but rather what that change will look like and how communities ensure they are not left behind in the process.

For communities like Mercury Bay, that conversation matters deeply.

We are not simply a single township with one set of priorities.

Mercury Bay is made up of distinct coastal communities, each with their own identity, pressures, challenges, and aspirations.

From Whangapoua to Kūaotunu, from Otama to Matapaua, from Wharekaho to Whitianga and Cooks Beach to Hahei, our communities face very real issues around growth, tourism pressure, storm resilience, roading, infrastructure, and environmental management.

As governance structures become larger, there is a genuine concern shared by our communities across the Peninsula: will local voices become smaller?

At the same time, reform also raises broader questions about where districts such as Thames-Coromandel may eventually sit within future governance structures.

Historically, the Coromandel has fallen within the Waikato region. However, many eastern coastal communities increasingly find themselves economically, socially, and geographically connected toward the Bay of Plenty corridor. Tourism patterns, coastal resilience challenges, transport movements, growth pressures, and infrastructure

demands often align more closely with eastern coastal centres such as Tauranga than inland Waikato interests.

That is not to suggest any particular outcome has been decided. But if amalgamation or largescale structural reform becomes part of New Zealand’s local government future, communities will inevitably begin asking what those future alignments could look like.

For Mercury Bay, that conversation is likely to become increasingly relevant.

WHAT BECOMES OF LOCAL REPRESENTATION?

This important question sits underneath all of the above.

Ironically, larger governance structures can strengthen the argument for Community Boards. The larger and more centralised governance becomes, the more important local representation can become underneath it. Without that local layer, smaller communities risk losing visibility and influence within broader regional priorities.

Auckland provides an example of this. Following the creation of the Auckland “Super City,” local boards became critically important because they maintained community-level representation within a much larger governance model.

The challenge for Community Boards moving forward may not necessarily be whether they disappear entirely, but whether they retain meaningful influence.

Across the Peninsula, there is already growing discussion around reduced delegations, fewer meeting schedules, more centralised decision-making, and Community Boards becoming increasingly advisory in nature

rather than genuinely empowered local governance bodies.

For communities like Mercury Bay, that distinction matters. Strong local representation is not simply about attending meetings. It is about ensuring local communities retain a meaningful voice in decisions that directly affect their roads, infrastructure, resilience planning, public spaces, growth pressures, and future development. None of this is about resisting change for the sake of resisting change.

Local government will continue to evolve, and there are genuine discussions to be had around efficiency, affordability, infrastructure pressures, and long-term sustainability. But any reform must ensure that local communities are not left voiceless in the process.

As these national conversations continue, communities such as Mercury Bay will rightly expect that structural reform does not come at the expense of local connection, local understanding, and meaningful local representation. Strong communities are built when the people making decisions remain connected to the people living with the outcomes.

Oceans Festival

2026

The line-up’s locked and tickets are raring to go.

Coast Meats Country - Saturday 19 September

Coast, meat and country are being celebrated at Whitianga Ocean’s Festival 20th anniversary – with Australian country rocker Brad Cox heading the line-up alongside local NZ artists – The Western Guide, Automatic 80s and The Vegas Brown Band.

“We’re thrilled to announce Brad Cox in his only North Island gig, alongside the mix of country and western, pop and rock artists for this year’s festival on Saturday 19 September, along with ocean bites, bbq delights, coastal sips and country pours,” says Oceans Festival Committee Chair Linda Bird.

“It’s going to be a real hootenanny - so get your cowboy and cowgirl hats, boots and shirts out for a celebration of toe tappin’ music, food and memorable Coromandel moments by the ocean,” says Linda.

Tickers are selling fast. Get rarin’ to go.

• Early Bird – General Admission: $60 1 May – 15 May.

• General Admission: $70 16 May – 31 August.

• Final Release & Gate Sales: $80

1 Sept –19 September

• Local Pricing – If you’re a local yokel, head down to the Whitianga Information Centre (66 Albert St Whitianga), from 16 May, where hard tickets can be purchased for $65 GA per person. (Proof of local residency needs to be provided.)

VIP TICKETS

Step into The Sherriff’s Saloon and be part of the Very Important Posse (VIP) experience. With 10 per table for $2000, gather your crew and enjoy a premium festival setup featuring three tipples and three dishes, showcasing the best of coast meats country - VIP tickets go on sale alongside Early Bird tickets from Friday 1 May to Friday 15 May.

Our nurses in Mercury Bay

BY GREG JOHNSON

Iam the proud husband of one of our local Nurse Practitioners. I thought I would take it upon myself to pass this information along to readers.

I really want to highlight the amazing work this team and the Mercury Bay Medical Centre are doing for healthcare in our community.

The Centre now has three Nurse Practitioners: KJ, Cecilia, and Vaida. These clinicians are highly skilled, highly trained, and have an extensive background in healthcare to reach this level of qualification.

The centre has done a great job setting up these roles to make

sure our region has access to such high-quality care.

WHY THIS IS GREAT FOR MERCURY BAY

Filling a gap: With GP shortages across the country, our Nurse Practitioners are filling a massive need and providing an outstanding service for our town.

Reliable care: They provide “continuity of care,” which means patients can see a clinician who really knows them and their history. Always available: You’ll find them working all over the region, including at the new North Clinic and the school clinic. They handle booked appointments, house calls, and urgent care, as well as

Mother’s Day 2026

weekends and on-call work. Fastest growing sector: Nationally, Nurse Practitioners are the fastest-growing part of the health sector. You can see the data on that here in NZ Medical Journal: Workforce Trends. This is such a win for our community. It shows that our local medical centre is working hard to secure the future of our healthcare.

Editor’s Note: It is not often a husband or partner writes in about their other half to affirm and praise her work and that of two other colleagues. Our nurses care for the whole scope of humanity on The Coromandel and we thought this a Good Mother’s Day story.

War and peace –Outstanding concert

BY DOROTHY PREECE

The Whitianga Town Hall was packed once again on Sunday 3 May, as people flocked in to the Mercury Bay Community Choir’s Concert entitled, ‘War and Peace’.

The afternoon got off to a fine start with Musical Director Kate Nielsen inviting the audience to sing along with ‘Pack up your troubles’ and ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary.’ The choir wore ANZAC poppies and the wide-ranging programme reflected many and various composers’ views on war and peace. A surprise cameo performance from Phil Nielsen with his stirring bagpipes had the audience on the edge of their seats. Several items showcased singers in small ensembles, and the audience loved it when guitarist Bill Smart accompanied Debbie Quilter in a rendition of ‘Where have all the flowers gone?’ The event fittingly concluded with ‘We’ll meet again..’

The choir is accompanied by pianist Catherine Lee. Kate Nielsen says they are seeking a back-up pianist to share the task with Catherine, and new singers, men and women, are always welcome to join the choir. “There are no auditions or tests, you don’t have to be able to read music, we just encourage

people who think they might enjoy singing with us, to come along to practice and give it a go. It takes a few weeks to really get to know us and understand what we’re about. We work hard at improving our level of performance and we take it seriously, but we also have a lot

of fun together. It is widely recognised that, whatever the level of expertise, singing is very good for mental well-being, and we can certainly vouch for that,” Kate says. “A choir is one of the few groups that offer opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to join together in a common interest.”

The choir works towards two main concerts, in May and November each year, and sometimes smaller events in between. They practice every Monday night, from 6 to 8pm, in the music room at Mercury Bay Area School.

BIG DEALS

Join us for a Treasury Talk

The Extended Family of Joseph Cornwell Williams, ‘’Gold Miner and Publican of Thames’’.

SPEAKER PETER KRAFFT

Come and we will explore a couple of generations of Joseph Cornwell Williams and his descendants. Joseph was a ‘’Thames ite’’ a settler and an old resident of Tararu. He was a miner, with an interest in mining ventures and a Publican. Joseph left a very interesting will. We look at the activities of his siblings and take the

family line back several generations in Wales.

Peter Krafft is a retired Quality Manager who spent his working life in multinational breweries. After several years as a Team Leader in the New Zealand Society of Genealogists Research Centre he moved to Paeroa and is active in local genealogy organisations. He is married to a Williams descendant.

Tairua family has highs and lows in Rarotonga

BY PAM FERLA

hen psychologist

WKatie-Marie Jervis and her family moved from Tairua to Rarotonga for her work with prisoners on the island, she did not know the challenges they would face. However, the island’s stunning beauty and warmhearted people are worthwhile memories she and her family will have when her two-year contract ends and they return home.

Katie-Marie, husband Jayden Blomfield and their two children moved to the island last April.

“When we arrived we bought a motorbike with every intention we’d both use it – I would use it for getting to work,” she says.

“However, after seeing the high rate of motor vehicle accidents here – significantly higher than in New Zealand – I decided not to ride. Vehicles are much more expensive in Rarotonga, but we purchased a car.”

However, Jayden uses the bike to check the surf, head out for a swim, and pop to the Saturday markets for fresh fruit and vegetables. He also spends time designing edible landscapes for locals, and running school transport.

Katie-Marie’s commute is short, but like most things in Rarotonga, comes with some unpredictability. Her prison role is doing psychological assessments such as risk assessments, pre-sentence reports and fitness to stand trial. The prison muster fluctuates between around 30 and 40 people, the majority being men. It reflects most prison setting, with a mix of violent, sexual, and non-violent offending. Katie-Marie notices the approach to rehabilitation is work – in farming, the piggery and the plantation, this providing their sustenance. Some prisoners make ukeleles.

While the Rarotonga experience is in many ways what she expected, there have been some surprises.

“Communication hasn’t been

a major barrier. Most people are bilingual, speaking both English and Cook Islands Māori. In the outer islands, Cook Islands Māori is more commonly the first language, so I’ve used interpreters when working with clients from those areas.”

Housing has been one of the family’s biggest challenges, with three moves in just over a year. There are limited long-term rental options as many properties are used for short-term holiday accommodation. Katie-Marie says it often comes down to informal processes, like posting on Facebook and hoping something becomes available.

“If not, you can find yourself without a place to live. Our first three weeks were in an old restaurant -no hot water, a leaking roof, and open-plan living. However, it sat right on the reef with incredible views. Then we moved into a beautiful beachside home for eight months. Now we’re in another short-term rental.”

A big plus to the family’s experience is the way the children have adapted.

“They’ve settled into school, are learning Cook Islands Te Reo, and are involved in cultural activities. Watching them integrate so naturally has been one of the highlights for us. They’ve embraced

the outdoor lifestyle, engaged in school, and spending lots of time outdoors-fishing, swimming, and exploring. It’s a very different but enriching upbringing. We’ve all taken up new hobbies such as lagoon swimming, triathlons, free-driving, surfing and fishing.”

DENGE FEVER

A tough and unexpected challenge has been Denge Fever, a very painful viral infection spread by mosquitoes.

“All four of us contracted Dengue Fever, by far one of the hardest experiences we’ve had. We were all hospitalised for two nights, with two of us requiring IV fluids. It’s an incredibly painful and debilitating illness, and recovery can be prolonged. The hospital system is doing its best, but is under-resourced compared to what we’re used to in New Zealand That said, we are very grateful for the care we received.

ISLAND TIME

“This is very real. Meetings often start later than scheduled and run longer than expected. It requires a shift in mindset and learning to adapt to a slower pace. Also, living and working in a small community can mean professional and social worlds overlap more closely. And, of course, church is a significant part of island life.

“Living here is full of contrasts. It’s an island of extreme. There

are incredible highs in terms of beauty, culture and connection, alongside real challenges. However, we’ve built strong connections with both locals and expats and enjoy regular social get-togethers. What I miss most is the structure and familiarity of New Zealand, along with our home and community in Tairua.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

One big plus for Katie-Marie is knowing her work is making a positive difference.

“As the only resident psychologist currently working here, there’s a real sense that the work matters – available for whoever needs support makes a difference. My work has contributed to legal decisions and procedural changes in the High Court, as well as improvements in probation practices. I’ve also been able to provide training and introduce more evidence-based approaches.”

“The best moments have been incredible – swimming with turtles, free diving, and experiencing the natural beauty of the lagoon. The hardest moments have been health-related – our son being hospitalised with influenza A, and all of us experiencing Dengue Fever.

The biggest benefits are the people, culture, and environment.” The family look forward to having a ‘holiday’ in Tairua when the return for a month in June.

Staying mobile and safe

Independent living means living with the freedom to make choices. As a person gets older or disability with physical movement becomes an issue, then having a means to be mobile adds so many dimensions to a person’s life.

Meet Gary Darkes and his specialist mobility scooters. Gary is the face of the Independent Living Charitable Trust and has been helping people choose the right mobility scooters for their needs and their environment for over twenty years.

Gary’s work takes him all over the North Island and his focus is ensuring that people not only enjoy their independent living made possible by their mobility scooter but works in communities to enable scooter safety and driver confidence.

Independent Living Trust is really New Zealand’s largest specialist mobility store and Gary is working with Whitianga Social Services to equip people effectively with the right mobility scooter for their needs. It was a fun event

Design Whiz

People miss the Endeavour Print office being open in Coghill Street, Whitianga, just down from Coghill Street Cafe.

Endeavour Print was a one-stop copying, printing and design shop which was part of the Kale Printing company, but the Endeavour Print office had to close recently due to Kale opening a new printing factory elsewhere.

The person who was Endeavour Print in Mercury Bay for the last two years has been Angie Soanes who combined the roles of manager, designer, printer and print broker for the community. Before managing the print and design office herself, she had been working on design services at Endeavour Print office four years prior.

Rather than move communities with the closing of the Angie has decided it is time for her to pursue her own graphic design business, the new name being

DESIGNEDLY. After all, she has been providing ideas, advice and actually doing graphic design for Endeavour Print and Kale print and this is her field of training with many years of experience added.

Ange is really enjoying being her own boss

using the skills she was trained for and on her own terms. Kale Print has offered, through the services Angie provides to her customers, a 20% discount on printing jobs.

Ange uses all the most recent Adobe suite design tools and has all her own equipment to provide any business wanting to prepare advertising with exactly what they need.

Angie is a thoroughly modern artist but her designs are her own work not the result of AI which is why her slogan is ‘graphic design by a human’.

recently at Whitianga Social Services in Cook Drive, when Gary was demonstrating the latest and largest mobility scooter. Local resident, Shirwin Lee (who doesn’t need a mobility scooter at all), was invited to try out this new scooter. It looked like a super ‘hot rod’ and Shirwin was tempted to take it for a spin. However, he did not but did comment on how easy it was to maneuver and drive. At the other end of the scale, Gary demonstrated a fold-up mobility scooter which was light and

portable but very strong. “Freedom matters to people,” says Gary. “It is my job to make sure they enjoy the freedom the mobility scooter gives them, safely.” Gary is able to assist people when their needs change. It is not one mobility scooter for years on end. A person’s needs change as their mobility changes or their environment changes. He also ensures that people learn the basics of what ‘considerate riding’ really means and provides tips on staying visible, and in control.

“A mobility scooter may seem small, but it’s still a vehicle,” says Gary. “I like helping users feel confident with their scooter and how to share the space in terms of road safety. I work to support them with their vehicle for as long as it takes. Gary will be spending time not only working with Whitianga Social Services but with the communities of the Coromandel Peninsula in assisting mobility scooter users.

„ Ph: 0800 625 100

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The backstory of Grass Carp and Cooks Beach ‘Lakes’

BY STEVE LLOYD

The Cooks Beach Lakes were created as part of a subdivision development begun in the mid to late 90s. Construction work was carried out by Hoppers. Prior to the development the area was swamp land and part of the Harsant farm.

The lakes A and B were constructed as a storm water detention system with lake B being the forebay for the system, essentially a catchment lake.

However, the developers marketed these sections as “lake front” and were priced accordingly. All residents of the area therefore consider this system to be “lakes” which are classified for “passive recreation.”

Resource consent for the lakes was issued to Waikato Regional Council (WRC) who in turn vested ownership to TCDC, who has management and control of ongoing maintenance.

The main method of weed control for more than 20 years has been the use of an aquatic spray, Diquat with a gel added. This spray has been in widespread use in NZ waterways and rivers for 60 years and is approved by NIWA (now Ocean Earth Sci-

ences). The name sounds ugly but this is a desiccant type spray, which essentially breaks down the leaf structure and the plant drops to the bottom. It does NOT kill the root structure and creates a composting effect for the plant to regrow in spring and summer.

The decaying vegetation will result in a decrease in oxygen levels on the lake’s bottom resulting in changes to the benthic fauna.

The main weed type in the lake is Potamogeton ochreatus commonly known as blunt pondweed. Considered indigenous in NZ it is also widespread in Australia and SE Asia therefore is not native.

During the warmer months an algal bloom forms and this can cause botulism in the local wildlife if consumed. Over the years residents have either had to remove dead ducks or call council to do this.

Up to now most methods of weed control have been attempted including mechanical harvesting, which is similar to mowing lawns and therefore needs to be done on a regular basis. This is a very expensive approach to maintenance and only has a short window of effectiveness before the weed comes away again. Mechanical harvesting results in small

eels, bullies and other native fish being trapped in the harvested weed and dying.

There have been suggestions of riparian planting and the installation of aerators however neither of these ideas are practical as a 2 metre wide strip of planting will be ineffective and the use of expensive, noisy aerators would do absolutely nothing to alleviate the high level of nutrients feed-

ing the weed that flows into the system from the farm land up the back.

In July 2022 a submission was made to the then Mercury Bay Community Board to consider the use of grass or silver carp as a weed control measure. The idea was adopted with the request that TCDC investigate this as a weed control measure as distinct from the annual diquat aquatic spray programme.

DIFFERENTIATING THE TYPES OF CARP

At this point it is important to distinguish between grass or silver carp and koi carp. Koi carp are omnivorous and have a reputation for destroying riverbanks and waterway edges.

And consuming anything they come across. Conversely grass or silver carp are herbivores being totally weed eaters. The usual reaction from people when talking about carp is one of total ignorance by not knowing the difference between the two species and consequently this brings a negative, unfounded reaction to any suggestion of grass carp being used for weed control.

Grass carp are known as the “cows of the ponds” as they tend

to graze and move around a waterway rather than eat it out and are stocked according to the visible weed-over rate.

As the weed cover is reduced and with careful management, the fish stock numbers can be reduced, still controlling the weed but resulting in further potential cost savings to Council. You could say a one-off cost as the fish can live for upwards of 10 years or longer.

The use of grass carp is widespread in NZ and one of the most successful biodiverse methods of weed control used today. Grass carp are widely used in neighbouring councils, Tauranga, Western Bays, Auckland and throughout the South Island with great success.

Dr Robert (Bob) McDowall, a leading expert on NZ freshwater fisheries, stated that grass carp were one of the most carefully introduced species into NZ.

Another expert in the field said, “In my 45 years involvement with grass carp, I have not seen any adverse environmental effects with the use of grass carp for weed control. If there were any, the carp would have been mostly removed.”

Continued on page 17

c reatingchildhoodmemori

Hon Scott Simpson

MP For Coromandel

I’m really excited that preparation work to replace the Pepe Bridge is getting underway, with the initial phase focused on constructing a temporary footbridge to the side of the current bridge. Once this is completed, the project will move into full construction in mid-July.

I know many people in our community have been calling for this replacement for years. Like them, I’ve been a staunch advocate of this project, and I’ll be following its development with great interest.

Of course, it won’t solve all the traffic issues at Tairua, but NZTA tell me that a lot of the traffic that goes over the bridge is local people travelling around the township. That means making the Pepe Bridge twolaned will have a significant positive impact on their daily life, which is a big win for Tairua locals. It will also be welcomed by travellers throughout our region, as it will make getting around the Coromandel just that little bit easier.

The new bridge is expected to be operational in late 2027, so there is still a bit of time to go. Nevertheless, it’s great to see that a two-lane Pepe Bridge is getting closer to becoming a reality.

In other news, the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement has been signed and it represents a once in a generation step forward for our exporters.

Essentially it gives producers access to an enormous global market where they can sell more of what they’re great at, like kiwi-

Scott Simpson at the launch of the first new in-store compactor bin for soft plastics.

fruit, apples, lamb, fish, wine, wool, honey, and avocados. This will help to grow the economy, which means more jobs on farms and orchards, more money coming into local communities, and more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead.

The free trade agreement will see tariffs eliminated or reduced on 95 percent of our exports, with dutyfree access on almost 57 percent of New Zealand’s exports from day one.

A few years ago the previous government said it was impossible to get a free trade agreement with India, but Trade Minister Todd McClay has worked tirelessly to get this deal over the line. This agreement is further evidence that our Government backs New Zealanders to compete on the global stage and is committed to growing the economy and delivering long term benefits for Kiwi families.

Chook-Chat with Marlene

Last week we talked about whether chickens are right for you – this week it’s about getting things set up properly.

Before bringing chickens home, it’s worth knowing the local rules here. Under the current TCDC bylaw, you can keep up to six hens in urban areas, but roosters are not permitted. Chickens must be housed in a properly built coop and run that’s kept clean, in good condition and smells and vermin kept to a minimum.

THERE ARE ALSO SETBACK RULES TO CONSIDER:

Coops need to be at least 10 metres from neighbouring houses and 2 metres from property boundaries. It might sound a bit technical, but it really comes down to common sense – keep things tidy and neighbour-friendly.

When it comes to housing, they need a safe, dry place to call home. A good coop should be weatherproof, well ventilated, and secure at night. While we’re fairly lucky in the Coromandel, it’s still important to protect them from dogs or other unwelcome visitor.

Inside the coop, a few basics go a long way. Nesting boxes give hens a comfortable place to lay, one box for every two to three chickens is usually plenty. Bedding such as straw or wood

shavings helps keep things clean and cosy and will need topping up or changing regularly.

Roosting bars are also important, as chickens prefer to perch up off the ground at night. A 4x2 timber bar laid on the flat side is widely considered ideal.

Outside, a run or fenced area gives them space to scratch around and behave like chickens. A simple dust bath like a dry patch of soil or a mix of sand and ash, helps them keep clean naturally.

As a general guide, allowing around 4+ square metres per hen outdoors will keep your

flock comfortable and in line with good welfare practices. Automatic coop doors are also becoming more popular. They can be a handy option, opening and closing with daylight and taking the pressure off early mornings and evenings.

Getting the setup right from the start makes life much easier for both you and your flock. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just practical and well thought out.

„ Next week: Choosing the right breed for your backyard.

Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

Are you a good friend?

Ithink most people would answer yes to this question. My own justification for answering in the affirmative goes like this: I stay in touch often enough with my closest friends; I do my best to lend an ear when a friend needs me; I give them hugs when I see them. I’m starting to rethink my answer.

I recently watched a conversation with Simon Sinek, a famous American author and inspirational speaker on business leadership. The conversation – much to my surprise – was all about friendship. Why is a man who is being paid very large sums of money by multinational corporations speaking on this topic? Generally, the topics are business related. It intrigued me.

In speaking about the standard norms of what friendship means in our tech-driven society, he asked the audience, “Do you pick up the phone on your friend’s birthday? Or do you just go on social media and let technology tick the box for you?” Oh dear. Guilty as charged. I quickly remind myself: I do call a handful of close friends, even if they’re far away. That makes me feel a little

better, but not much. Why don’t I do this for all my friends?

Mr Sinek elaborated that friendship in our society has not been seen as “sacrifice-worthy” for a very long time. Many people don’t generally give up something for friends; rather, we tend to often take the friendship for granted and reschedule that lunch date because of an urgent meeting that just came up, a pressing deadline we have, or we’re just not in the mood. Valid point. Having come from the US business world, I am

also guilty of this. I can’t say if this is accurate in New Zealand business circles, but I expect it is. The message is: we need to start prioritising friendships. Otherwise, we risk a lot. That friend that is in pain may not pick up that phone to speak with you when they need you, thinking “they’re too busy.” We’ve conditioned some of our friends to believe that we are only available sometimes, and perhaps on our terms. What about our friends that we lean on? Do we lean in enough

on them when we need them? Or have we also conditioned them that when we are struggling with some life issue, they will think “I’m sure they are fine.” (I detest that word fine! It’s used way to often when we are not fine.) What I’m realizing is that we have a very real responsibility to be authentic with our friends and colleagues. Granted, we are closer to some more than others, that’s understandable. But if those unique friends feel that way about us, we are doing ourselves a massive disservice, because we are saying, I don’t need you.

If you forget this article the minute you are done with it, so be it. But please, please remember this line from Mr Sinek: “We build trust by asking for help, not giving it.” That line knocked me over the head. All those times I didn’t lean on my friends when I needed them, I have decreased the trust between us, I’ve made a withdrawal from our friendship bank account. Mr Sinek, continued: “It’s an absolute honour to be there for a friend when they need you.” He is so right. I feel terrible when I hear about a close friend having struggled with something in the

past and realizing they didn’t call me. That could be on me. This behaviour might be partly due to how romantic relationships have changed in the past 50 years. Often, we want our partner to be everything for us. This modification in expectations grew out of a more independent family life in society. Instead of knowing all our neighbours in the community, we often live in our little homes, go about our business and our only interaction with our neighbours might be a wave hello when picking up the paper or taking out the trash. Fortunately, I see less of this in Whitianga. But I am very familiar with this in the California suburbs I lived in – people were just too busy. It took great effort to get to know the neighbours we had, but I’m glad we did. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of friendship, my hope is that this will serve as a reminder that we can all be better friends and are more likely to be called when a friend is in need.

„ info@truer-life-coaching.com. www.linkedin.com/in/ananda laberge. My website is coming shortly.

That’s a ‘Rapt’ as Charlie hangs up his spanners

BY VERNA CARR

After more than two decades, the familiar sight of Charlie Cunningham sliding out from beneath a car on Mill Road has come to an end. Charlie, the much-loved owner of Charlie’s Workshop, has hung up his spanners for the last time, closing a chapter that has made him an iconic figure in Whitianga.

A NEW NAME AND NEW OWNERS – ‘WE’RE RAPT!’ Friday, 1 May marked the changeover, and with it came fresh signage and a fresh start. RAPT Auto Whitianga – Road and Performance Tuning – is now open for business, with new owners Jeremy and Nicole Payne ready to carry the workshop forward.

The Paynes made the move from Tauranga in search of something different. Whitianga delivered exactly that – a small community where people still smile at strangers, the beach is a short walk away, and a traffic light has never been seen. For Jeremy, Nicole, and their two teenage sons, the quieter pace of life has been a perfect fit.

Jeremy began his mechanical

apprenticeship with an independent Subaru Specialist 25 years ago. Together, Jeremy and Nicole have owned several workshops over the past 15 years, and spent the last three years building a strong local reputation as a mobile mechanic and towbar installer.

When the opportunity to purchase Charlie’s Workshop arose, the decision felt natural – a chance to expand what they had

already built.

Customers will be pleased to know that Brad Barham is staying on. A former Charlie’s Workshop employee, Brad is a genuine wizard when it comes to computer diagnostics and electrical work, and his expertise will remain a cornerstone of the new operation.

Nicole will manage the office and administration, and she’s looking forward to adding a few

personal touches, including a bit of a refresh to the waiting room. The couple pride themselves on being easy to talk to and understand that in a small town, communication and trust are everything.

RAPT Auto Whitianga will offer a full range of services – repairs, servicing, WOFs, and towbar installation – with the same care and reliability that locals have

come to expect from Charlies Workshop on Mill Road.

And in a nod to community continuity, the Paynes will carry on Charlie’s tradition of sponsoring the early bird raffle at the Mercury Bay Club.

Whitianga is their home now. They’re here to stay. „ Rapt Auto Ltd., Rapt Auto Whitianga. Mobile: 027 871 1930.

Global first trial at two local New World stores

NZ designed technology has been used in global first trial with Innovative collection bin system – key to lower costs, increased efficiencies.

A trial of a new collection bin system aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiencies across the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme network was launched last Friday in New World Whangamatā.

This trial is the first of its kind globally, and the New Zealand–designed and manufactured MANCO Compactor Bin System provides a more technology-driven solution for collecting in-store post-consumer soft plastics.

MANCO Environmental worked together with the Packaging Forum to design and trial the compactor bin system specifically for soft plastic collection, which has taken three years from the initial concept through to development.

The initial trial will run for five months with the aim that the new MANCO Compactor Bins will: increase efficiency across the transport and logistics network, leading to reduced costs; enhance consumer education on recycling soft plastics and reduce bin contamination; improve the in-store experience and optimise staff resources – ultimately enabling the collection and recycling of more soft plastic.

Hon Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel, and long-time supporter of the Soft Plastic Recy-

Ricky Bowen New World Whangamata; Logan Black, MANCO Environmental; Lyn Mayes, Soft Plastic Scheme Manager; Debra Goulding, Foodstuffs Sustainable Packaging Lead; Kerry Stanley, New World Whitianga.

Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel testing the new MANCO compactor bin system.

cling Scheme, officiated at the trial’s launch, which is being run in five Foodstuffs stores across the country: Auckland (New World Birkenhead), the Coromandel (New World Whangamatā and Whitianga, PAK’nSAVE Thames) and New World Matamata.

Lyn Mayes, Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme Manager says the trial will test how the bins operate in practice, and learnings will be incorporated into a future roll out.

“The current Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme bins can only hold up to 5.5kg per bag liner and require a store staff member to handle large bags of loose soft plastic. In contrast, the new MANCO bin can compact 20–25 kgs of soft plastic into a 240-litre wheelie bin,” says Lyn.

“This makes the entire process

much more seamless.”

“With transport costs on the rise due to ongoing fuel price increases, we are always looking at ways in which we can make cost savings – saving on transport and logistics is key for us moving forward,” says Lyn.

If the trial successful, it is hoped the trial will expand to other regions with a Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme collection network in place.

“Customers love being able to recycle their soft plastics, and we want to keep offering that,” says Goulding.

The Thames Coromandel region was chosen for the trial given the amount of soft plastic which is dropped off at collection bag points across the region, particularly during the high-volume

Communities have fought too hard to see conservation protections weakened

Green Party Coromandel candidate Pamela Grealey says there will be strong concern across the Coromandel electorate about Government changes that would make it easier for public conservation land to be exchanged or disposed of.

“This Government is already giving industry unprecedented access to public conservation land, and now it wants to make it easier for that land to be sold off altogether,” says Grealey.

“Once these places are gone, they are gone.”

Grealey says communities across the Coromandel electorate have spent generations protecting and restoring conservation land, native habitats and public access areas.

“People throughout our electorate have volunteered countless hours trapping pests, planting natives, restoring wetlands, maintaining tracks and protecting

Pamela Grealey.

biodiversity. Local communities have invested deeply in these landscapes because they understand their value cannot simply be measured in dollars.”

“The public investment in conservation land across this region has also been enormous. Successive generations of New Zealanders have funded the protection and restoration of these places for the benefit of everyone.”

The Government today announced changes to conservation settings that

would expand the ability to exchange or dispose of conservation land.

“This Government does not have a mandate to start dismantling conservation protections and opening the door to more privatisation of public land,” says Grealey.

“In places like the Coromandel, alarm bells ring immediately when protections are weakened. Communities here have fought long and hard to protect special places from inappropriate mining and development proposals.”

Grealey says conservation land should remain protected for future generations, public access and the survival of native species already under increasing pressure.

“These landscapes are part of who we are. They belong to all New Zealanders, not whoever can extract the most short-term profit from them.”

year at Foodstuffs’ Expo which resulted in stores asking to be part of this trial.”

The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme is a voluntary product stewardship scheme operated by The Packaging Forum, and is 100 percent funded by its members. It is one of the four recycling programmes the Forum operates on behalf of its 300+ members, of which Foodstuffs is one.

holiday periods.

“Currently we collect around 200 bags, which equates around one tonne per month, from the three Thames Coromandel Foodstuffs stores. This represents more than 50% of the total collected soft plastic in the region from stores,” says Lyn. “It is certainly clear that residents of the wider Thames Coromandel region are keen recyclers of soft plastic.”

Logan Black, Product and Business Development Manager MANCO Environmental says: “This trial started three years ago with a discussion with the Packaging Forum about whether soft plastic could be compacted front-of-store to reduce handling. From a prototype model, we have designed a complete new bin system which we showcased last

Craig Miller, CEO The Packaging Forum, says: “The development of the innovative technology and the teamwork that has gone on behind the scenes to make this trial come to fruition is an excellent example of industry coming together to see how we can make continued improvements in our collection network for soft plastic, to increase collections and make it easier for consumers to recycle their soft plastic material; ultimately supporting meaningful progress toward a circular future.”

“Recycling schemes such as our soft plastic programme are practical examples of circularity in action, giving waste materials value by recycling them into new products. Our organisation’s vision is to lead New Zealand to a circular packaging future. Researching and funding new innovations and technologies throughout the circular value chain, like this efficiency improvement on collection of waste, plays a key part in helping to deliver on that vision.”

Cooks Beach ‘Lakes’

Continued from page 14

The process for grass carp applications are subject to the Conservation Act and handled by DoC. Starting with a public notification process in major newspapers, in the TCDC case there were NO objections but a lot of support for the initiative.

The DoC process is quite thorough and there is a Government legislated requirement to consult with local Iwi.

This does not give Iwi the right of veto but is a consultation process only.

Any release of grass carp is strictly controlled by DoC with security screens being required to contain the fish. These fish will not survive in salt water with the only access to the sea being the stream behind the Cooks Beach hall. Salty or briny water comes up well behind the Cooks Beach camp ground so containment of the fish is critical for their survival.

In over 40 years of releasing these fish they have never bred in the wild as local conditions do not meet their needs. Testament to this is the fact that there is only one company approved by the Government to breed these fish, were they to breed freely then that company would have gone out of business long ago!

The grass carp were featured on a Country Calendar programme a few years ago and it is a very worthwhile watch. See the link: Country Calendar Episode 26 ‘The Soil Beneath’ - NZ Waterways Feature

The lake is home to natives such as eels, the common bully, inunga and grey mullet, but also, sadly, has an unwanted population of red eared slider turtles. These get dumped when no longer required as pets. They are omnivorous eating small fish and carry salmonella. They are considered in the world’s most 100 invasive species. The local resident’s group has managed to catch about 80 in recent years and hand over to WRC for disposal. If it wasn’t for the local resident’s group catching these pests then they would be out of control. Over the last few years particularly there has been a lot of money spent on the lakes’ maintenance (as a requirement under the Resource consent) with nothing really to show for it.

The only method of weed control NOT tried by Council is the use of grass carp, but is by far, result-wise undoubtedly the most successful, eco friendly, method available today. Therefore it is difficult to grasp why a tried and proven, cost effective method of weed control wasn’t instigated years ago by TCDC.

Through the Portal Opinion

Election Choices – The same old thing or is there a genuine plan

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

As the General Election slowly approaches most parties have started the election process, some by announcing some policy, some by just slagging off others, and some by being missing in action, much like they have been for the past three years. Elections can be a fun time; it’s a great competition where people can easily get steamed up and lively discussions are held up and down the country. In past years conversations have often lamented that we need the country to be run by competent businesspeople who know how to run large organisations properly and effectively. In 2008 many of us thought that the incoming Prime Minister, John Key, would be this person but that proved to be a false hope. He revealed himself to be just another populist politician, seemingly more worried about retaining the job than achieving good things for our country. The leaders that followed, Ardern and Hipkins, were definitely not that person, being neither competent nor businesspeople and of course the interim National Prime Minister, Bill English, was a John Key appointment and in his image. I had given up on waiting for this messiah-like figure to ever appear on our political scene so was gob smacked when listening to an interview with current Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, on the radio this week. The interviewer asked him a question about some action he had taken (handling of the fuel cri-

sis) that had obviously not been over popular as the polls for both his National Party and him had taken a hit. The Prime Minister’s response was to splutter a bit and then say it was not about being popular, it was about making the best decisions for the country. He sounded extremely genuine and this struck me as being different from the normal response.

Many politicians have made such comments before but have never sounded genuine. Jacinda Ardern was a great example, always doing what’s best for the people supposedly while she incarcerated them unnecessarily, made our young take drugs that were dangerous to them and destroyed our economy. All such announcements were accompanied by a smile. Other political party leaders are of the same ilk, making announcements for the good of their election chances not the country.

Another example of Luxon’s focus that is easy to understand is superannuation. The country’s bill for this is growing at a rate such that the country is going to be virtually broke within a few years unless some changes are made. Making those changes is considered to be unpopular by politicians so they generally steer clear of the discussion or, like NZ First Leader Winston Peters, loudly announce that no changes will take place if they are in Government. Yet, knowing this is unpopular, Christopher Luxon has announced that changes to the superannuation age will be a policy his party will take to the people in the upcoming election and if elected will introduce

immediately. He has done this because it must be done for the benefit of the country.

It was good to see Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, announce that he was open for talks on the issue and having a bipartisan approach. Unfortunately, he followed up this announcement by saying he preferred a means test model to curb costs. This would undoubtedly mean that retired politicians would still qualify but anyone richer them would not. It is not making a decision in the best interests of the country when such an obvious conflict of interest could arise.

The challenge for voters is to cast a vote for what is best for their country, although I suspect that most people would find that to be too much of a challenge. The world has changed with the destructive policies of the American President being largely responsible, but not solely. To sit back and wait for the old days to come back is to delude yourself. We need to adapt to the new norm which for us means making agreements, cementing relationships etc with as many countries as we can that are not the major powers. This makes petrol supply agreements with countries like Singapore very important, after all we cannot rely on the USA to back us up if supplies get short. It makes FTA agreements with countries such as India of extreme importance, our “friends” in the USA just gave us tariffs.

So that is our choice. A competent businessperson who understands what must be done for the country and does it, regardless of the political consequences, or just

the same old failures such as the policy bereft Labour Leader or the geriatric populist in charge of NZ First.

„

Disclaimer: It is so long ago that

I last voted for the National Party that I cannot tell you when this was. I have no association with the National Party and this is a personal opinion only.

Passwords and Passkeys

Did you know that experts say that passwords are the biggest online security problem.

They are easily guessed by machines and many of us use the same password for different accounts. These factors make it easy for unscrupulous scammers to gain access to our money, data and other sensitive information. Make it hard for this to happen by learning how to use passkeys. Passkeys are a very different technology that securely logs you in without your having to remember your password or to have to go through the sometimes cumbersome ritual of 2 factor authentication (2FA).

Now’s the time to learn what passkeys are and how to use them keep access to your accounts secure.

If you’d like to learn more about this new technology or any other function of your device, arrange a 45 minute one-on-one session with one of our Tutors. Pam can help

Coromandel Rescue Missions

03.04.2026 Whitianga Assist a male patient in his 70’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

03.04.2026 Colville Assist a child suffering a medical complaint. The child was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

04.04.2026 Coromandel Assist a male patient in his 50’s suffering a medical condition. He was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

06.04.2026 Whitianga Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base.

11.04.2026 Whitianga Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base.

12.04.2026 Hahei Assist a male patient in his 60’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a serious condition.

13.04.2026 Coromandel Tasked to Coromandel Airport to assist a male patient in his 60’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a minor condition.

14.04.2026 Coromandel Assist our other emergency partners with a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident approximately 50 metres down a cliff. The patient was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

you if you have an iPhone, and Alan, Molly or Megan can assist if you have an Android phone (Samsung, etc.).

One-on-Ones are held on Wednesdays in our classrooms at Whitianga Social Services Building, 2 Cook Drive. Our email is: seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail.com. You can also ring Carol, our Admin, on 0210 226 2504.

17.04.2026 Coromandel Assist a male patient in his 70’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a serious condition.

18.04.2026 Thames Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 50’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

19.04.2026

Shelley Beach Tasked by Police Search and Rescue to assist in the water search of a male patient in his 30’s. All enquiries to Police.

19.04.2026 Whitianga Assist a male patient in his 20’s suffering a medical complaint. Transportation was not required by helicopter, so crew returned to base.

23.04.2026 Thames Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base.

24.04.2026 Thames Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 70’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

25.04.2026

Letters to the Editor

COOKS BEACH LAKES

I wholly support Steve Lloyd and his team’s work regarding the cleaning of the Cooks Beach Lakes and the procrastination, relating to a lack of action with the project. It is frustrating and disappointing.

We had a meeting with council representatives and experts on the safety of gras carp 4 years ago and we are still waiting for decisions and approvals.

Cooks Beach lakes are no different from other national lakes. There is a clear operation and management of other lakes in the country that have set the knowledge, precedent and standards for our lakes at Cooks Beach. Why council and other parties have not easily adopted those processes needs to be addressed and the people involved need to be asked some very serious questions about their ability to make those decisions and why they have not.

Meanwhile the lakes are in a disgraceful state with weed and algae covering areas.

This project was a simple one that has been blown out of proportion with mis information and mis understanding of the science behind grass carp and their weed management.

A Cooks Beach Lakes Resident (only part of this letter was used)

CONCERNS ABOUT RESTRUCTURING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

I agree with Richard Shelford Woodcock, the Chair of Mercury Bay Community Board in what he has shared in this weeks’ Informer (page 8). He has hit the nail on the head.

I wish to add the following. It is arrogant of the Govern-

representation to the Minister for Local Government to express our concerns.

Our Council is in the process of finalising the Annual Plan and following that will start work on the Long Term Plan (LTP).

This work needs to be put on hold. It will be impossible to develop a LTP given our uncertain future.

One might ask, – Where have Local Government NZ (LGNZ) been on this issue?

Troubled waters ahead!

Tony Fox, Whitianga

98% - TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS

In a recent letter regarding climate change, the correspondent is convinced by 98% of scientific opinion at the turn of the century. (Informer April 28) but how does this affect NZ?

98% of the world’s scientists say ‘No’ to the use of 1080 as seen in NZ. Yet 98% of NZ scientists say dropping 1080 is beneficial to our wild life.

98% of European countries have rejected the introduction of fluoride in their drinking water. In NZ fluoridation of public drinking water is mandated.

After the coldest Spring and Summer we can remember, maybe global warming is yet to hit us. Nevertheless, our government has reacted, just in case, pouring millions into finding cattle and sheep which will emit less methane and raising pine trees on our paddocks instead of dairy calves. It is natural to be sceptical of the belief that these measures will somehow save the planet from ‘human-caused climate change’.

John Veysey, Coromandel

WHAREKAHO BEACH –

on the beach using the driftwood that has been washed up during storms.

These are noisy sessions and one ‘fun fire gathering’ left over 50 empty cans – all alcohol - plus McDonalds takeaway rubbish.

In that pile of drink cans was the remains of an accelerant which would be highly explosive in any campfire situation. The driftwood protects the young dotterel chicks. Gathering it up for fires on the beach and then leaving the mess including accelerants, food waste and alcohol cans is all wrong.

This beach is meant to be a protected haven for the dotterel chicks and other birds such as terns and egrets. There is no regard for them with this level of destructive behaviour.

Just to top that off, a quad bike has been using the beach recently, coming down from the marae. Obviously, this person does not know the rules. No nesting bird can compete with a quad bike nor can the beach environment.

J - Mercury Bay resident (this person gave her full name but asked to be anonymous – a regular visitor and dune carer)

CLIMATE CHANGE

I am sorry that Rick has problems with Alastair Brickell’s “misleading narratives” (The Informer 28 April) which seem to differ from 98% of scientists. As Mr. Newell rightly requests (The Informer 5th May) Rick should provide evidence for this 98% before accusing Mr. Brickell of “fringe viewpoints”. I will help him out.

The source of this hoary chestnut is a paper published in May 2013 entitled “Quantifying the consensus on anthropogenic global warming in the scientific

guilt so the fact that 66.4 % failed to do so is an unambiguous negative. However, the Cook paper managed to turn a massive negative into a massive positive by simply assuming that those who expressed no position did so because they endorsed AGW anyway. Thus, the 66% added to 32 % made the 98%. This reasoning is profoundly illogical, if not downright fraudulent, making the paper’s conclusions of no value whatsoever. However, like

in the atmosphere is natural and one molecule of CO2 looks very much like another. In any case because water, at up to 4% in the atmosphere, is the strongest greenhouse gas by far, common-sense tells us that the 0.0016% of human CO2 has marginal impact. We know this anyway as when human-emissions reduced during the Covid pandemic, atmospheric CO2 continued climbing just as before. Thus, the ultimate humanemissions shutdown had no impact whatsoever on rising CO2 levels. What makes us believe then that our puny efforts at reducing

All this may seem far too tedious to worry about but when lar beliefs and then outlaw the production of coal, oil and gas which would locally mitigate global fuel prices, all of us do

Games & Puzzles WIN!

Crossword Puzzle

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.

1. Funeral garlands (7)

4. Former lover, old ... (5)

7. Reykjavik is there (7)

8. Scratch out (5)

9. Stacked (6)

12. Intermittently (2,3,3) (8)

15. Show up again (8)

17. Inclined letter style (6)

18. Loose pants, ... shorts (5)

21. Notorious affair (7)

22. Dissect (3,2) (5)

23. Rags (7)

1. More deserving (8)

2. Take as being true (6)

3. Scorch (4)

4. Melt into the background (4)

5. Airman (7)

6. Outside limit (4)

10. Wooden joining peg (5)

11. Native New Zealander (5)

13. Burns unsteadily (8)

14. Communist (7)

16. Unoccupied (6)

18. Political power group (4)

19. Invitation reply (1,1,1,1) (4)

20. Angler’s throw (4)

Issue 1209 – Grid 177

Sudoku Puzzle

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

Issue 1209 – Quiz 02 Peter’s

1) What is the name of the pest that has attacked beehives?

2) What is three quarters of 52?

3) Who is the owner of Z?

Environment Matters

The Waikato River & water quality

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

The Resource Management Act (RMA) was passed into law in 1991. The purpose of the ACT had only two main functions

1. Promote sustainable development and 2. Safeguard the life supporting capacity of the air, soil and water.

The ‘promotion’ of sustainable development under the RMA has turned into a nightmare for many would-be developers with outrageous costs for consents, which were a lottery; will the consent be granted or declined?

The marina at Whangamata waffled around for thirteen years before approval. More recently, a hydro station on the South Island West Coast has taken ten years to gain approval. The ‘air, soil and water’ have not benefitted either. The Waikato River is a prime example. The river is a lifeline for the North Island, for electricity generation and a water supply for Hamilton and now Auckland. The Waikato Regional Council (WRC) claimed the river was fit for recreational activities including swimming from Lake Taupo northward to The Narrows, pre 2000. The river flow water quality deteriorated after passing through Hamilton City.

To maintain water quality, WRC have targeted various discharges that were flowing into the river. Described as ‘point discharges’, these included dairy factories, freezing works and a host of other industrial waste outlets. Water treatment was required before discharge to water. WRC then ordered the storage of dairy shed effluent until dryer weather, when soil conditions were suitable for spreading or spraying back onto pasture. The industries including dairying have invested millions of dollars in treating their waste, yet the water quality of rivers and streams including the Waikato River has not improved and indeed deteriorated. WRC is still pointing the finger at the dairy industry as the culprits in this loss of water quality.

This serious loss of water quality is now widespread across the Waikato including lakes Waikare and Whangape and as far as Cooks Beach and the Ohinemuri River. Generally, all of the lowland water is in a mess and not showing signs of improvement. So having cleaned up town and country discharges with no success, there has to be another reason. WRC have an annual budget now of $200 million and as far as water quality is concerned, little to show for it.

There has been two major developments that have slipped quietly under the radar. The first is the adoption and widespread use of chemicals embodied in our everyday living. There is a chemical now for everything from removing your nail polish to cleaning your car engine or milking machine. Another range of chemicals is designed to kill, and kill they do, all manner of plants and a by-kill of insects fish and birds. However, research is now being directed at preventing the resistance of weeds to the killing power of herbicides to make them even more deadly. Additionally, out on the farm there has been over a seven-fold increase in the use of nitrogen from under 60,000 tons in 1990 to 252,000 in 2019. It is known that excessive nitrogen breaks down the carbon in the soil destroying the natural function of the soil to cleanse the water. There have been animals, cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, in the Waikato for a very long time, but pre 1965 no effluent treatment and pre 1990, very little nitrogen and the natural water bodies were in good shape. History clearly paints the picture of destruction by chemical poisons and excessive careless use of nitrogen.

Support for Universal Superannuation

Grey Power New Zealand is reaffirming its long-standing support for universal New Zealand Superannuation, following recent comments from Labour leader Chris Hipkins indicating openness to discussion around possible means-testing of the pension.

Grey Power National President Gayle Chambers said the organisation welcomes informed discussion about the future of retirement policy but remains firmly opposed to any move toward means-testing.

“New Zealand Superannuation is not a benefit – it is a right earned through a lifetime of contribution,” President Gayle Chambers said. “It provides certainty, dignity and independence for older New Zealanders. Undermining that certainty risks eroding confidence in the entire system.”

Grey Power was established in 1986 in response to the introduction of a surcharge on superannuation – a policy that was later removed following widespread opposition.

“Our organisation was founded on the principle of fairness. Older New Zealanders stood up then, and that

same commitment remains just as strong now.”

Over four decades, Grey Power has consistently advocated for a simple, universal superannuation system that treats all older citizens equally. President Gayle Chambers said international experience shows that means-testing can introduce complexity, discourage saving and create uncertainty.

“Universal superannuation works because it is clear, predictable and fair. It ensures that every New Zealander has a basic level of security in retirement.”

While supporting constructive, cross-party dialogue on long-term policy, Grey Power believes any discussion must protect the integrity of the current system.

“As we approach our 40-year milestone, this debate highlights exactly why Grey Power’s voice remains important,” the President said. “We will continue to stand firmly for older New Zealanders and the principles that support them.” „ For more information or membership enquiries, contact: Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516

•

What’s On

OP SHOPS

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.

From a small town to packed theatres across Australia

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.

FROM INTERVIEW WITH KOLBIE AND HER DAD, BLAIR

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.

WEEKLY OR MORE

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.

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

KSt Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-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-Sun 9am-5pm.

MONTHLY

olbie Fraser is seventeen and until the beginning of 2025 she was in Cooks Beach preparing to go to Wellington for her post-MBAS college studies at the New Zealand School of Dance.

AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Monday, 25 May 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.

She is quietly proving that talent backed by grit goes far. Late last year almost at the end of her first year at the dance school, Kolbie earned the invitation to a fiveweek paid professional contract with Rising Ballet Company BIG Live, performing Nutcracker productions across Australia.

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.

Under directors Joel Burke and Khalid Tarabay, part of one of the highest-selling ballet companies in the Southern Hemisphere, she completed 45 performances, dancing five ballet roles, some lasting nearly seven minutes, performing to around 80,000 people. She was also trusted with partner work, which was an honour and embraced wholeheartedly.

Kolbie could hardly believe the experience she was getting and being chosen to be part of the elite ballerinas in the country.

Hauraki U3A (University of the Third Age) has interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Tuesday 19th May Rob Harley, NZ distinguished journalist will share stories from 50 years of meeting fascinating people. 10am-12noon. Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, Paeroa. $10 at door. To book email event_registration@u3ahauraki.nz

She knows her achievements to this point are not just about hours in the studio. There were

Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei - We meet on the first Monday of each month at members’ homes, 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on 0210649232 for more information.

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

Coffee and Korero – Every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm 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 – Meet new friends, learn about coastal conservation and make a difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, Thursday mornings. Register at: www. cooksbeachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook. com/CooksBeachCareGroup

nights walking 30 minutes uphill after training, soaked by Wellington rain and buffeted by wind, legs burning and body exhausted. Shared houses, different cul-

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.

Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall 6.45pm. New members, beginners and visitors very welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 666 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. Contact Tony 021 426 150. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5 -7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 022 383 6351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball ClubThursday & 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

tures, and strict dancer nutrition became unexpected hurdles, and Kolbie made the tough call to move, prioritising her health and training.

Cooks Beach Pickleball – tennis courts, cnr Purangi Rd and Rees Ave. Saturday mornings 9am. All welcome. First time free, then $5. Contact Kevin 021 396 062.

Hon Scott Simpson

COROMANDEL-COLVILLE

BETTER HEALTH CARE

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

Access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people in rural and remote areas and our government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live.

Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Contact Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or email beverley@annabells.co.nz

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

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.

MP For Coromandel

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.

In terms of the Coromandel pilot programme, it began in mid2025 and is being delivered at the Coromandel Family Medical Centre and Colville Health Clinic practice. They’ve been benefiting from extra support, better access to information and working more closely with an Emergency Care Paramedic which can treat urgent care patients in the clinic, while also available to respond to local 111 calls.

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.

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

Last year’s Budget invested $164 million to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of New Zealanders will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home. One of the initiatives funded was a pilot programme to enhance urgent and after-hours healthcare in six rural communities, including Coromandel and Colville.

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.

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, MBAS school gym. Now open to new members wanting to play competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for those wanting to improve their skills. Phone Steve for more details 027 211 3568.

I’m hoping that there will be even more support for similar projects around our region and the rest of the country in the coming year. People in rural areas can often travel long distances for care and rely on small teams supporting large regions, that’s why this investment is so important.

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.

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.

couple of weeks ago alongside the Associate Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk.

Kolbie’s success is inspiring others back home. Eight-year-old Harlow Macaw from Tairua also joined the Adelaide and Sydney legs of BIG Live’s Nutcracker tour, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. Performing in the Party scene’ in front of thousands each day, Harlow thrived on stage and says she loved every minute of it. She has since returned home full of inspiration and will continue training under Sarah Fitzsimons at Thames Hauraki Dance Theatre where all the girls have come from, united by their love of dance.

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 – Held in the Whitianga Town Hall. Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays Seniors 10.15-11.15am, Absolute Beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.45-1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 1099 155, Kathleen 022 154 1702. 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

The Coromandel Peninsula’s presence in national dance continues to grow, with Kolbie training in ballet and Liarah Anderson – 2nd year, Izzy Fitzsimons and Neka Woolf - now accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance, first year contemporary programs.

That resilience and decision to change her situation, soon turned into opportunity as it was after that she earned the invitation to dance in Australia

Proudly carrying her Coromandel roots into every lesson, Kolbie’s journey is proof that big dreams are being built right here at home. Kolbie has just now begun her second year – carrying with her the lessons of life away from home and the experience of professional dancing for several weeks and there will be more to come!

Well done!

Greypower, Whitianga – Our next gathering will be 10.30am Thursday 14 May for our AGM at the Mercury Bay Club. 10.30am start (doors open at 10.00am). Morning tea will be provided & memberships can be paid. Further info please phone Grey Power on 078665516 or E: greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com Come and join us there is lots to celebrate. 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, Inc. – Learn, update your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 or email Carol on 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 Neville Crawford 021 276 2169.

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

“Major events are critical for our hospitality and tourism sectors, especially here in the Coromandel. Accommodations fill up, restaurants and cafés thrive, and local businesses see more customers, creating jobs and lifting incomes.”

WHITIANGA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB INC. Notice of the 40th AGM to be held on Monday 25 May 2026, at the Whitianga Town Hall at 12.00pm. A light luncheon will be provided.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

“Across New Zealand, Tourism directly contributes $17 billion to national GDP and just under 200,000 jobs. Tourism makes up almost 12% of Coromandel’s GDP. The economic ripple effect of major events is huge, supporting our local businesses and growing our economy.”

Addition to Scott’s column Excerpt from his Press release Wed 11 Feb.

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

I was thrilled to hear the announcement from Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey that these pilots have been rolled out and have shown the positive impact that locally led approaches can make, with faster care, better access to treatment, and stronger links between rural health services.

In other news, our region is still recovering from January’s heavy weather event, but it’s encouraging to see communities rebound so quickly and contractors working to stabilise our roads. There are parts of the Peninsula which are still affected by storm damage, and I visited these areas a

Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm at the MB Bowling and Sports Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information contact Gavin 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

We received a briefing from the Thames-Coromandel District Council, which outlined the impact of the storm and the work ahead. It was stressed throughout these visits that support is available, such as Civil Defence payments through the Ministry of Social Development.

Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome. Whitianga Toy Library - NEW. Tummy Time sessions for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. Every Wednesday 9:30am at the toy library - Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Members and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@whititoylibrary.co.nz for more information

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR OCEANS FESTIVAL

Lessons from 5.00-6.30pm Thursdays or 11.00am-12.30pm Wednesdays. Only $25 for 10 lessons. At the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Starting Wednesday 20th May. Please register before 10th May. Contact Ischelle Stevenson 021 060 8869 or email ischelle_stevenson@hotmail.com

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.

“I’m excited that the Coromandel will once again host the Whitianga Oceans Festival in September 2026, attracting visitors from around New Zealand and overseas, as part of the national $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. “

“Events such as the Whitianga Oceans Festival don’t just bring visitors; they bring life and energy to our region and to our towns which helps to create vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences.”

U3A Hauraki

Talk by Rob Harley

Tuesday, 19 May 10.00am-12.00pm at Paeroa Baptist Church

“This funding is a significant boost to Whitianga and the wider Coromandel, and I’m looking forward to our region hosting another great event which encourages locals and visitors to celebrate all that we have offer.”

Digital Decoder

There is a version of the future where technology watches over your health, catches disease early, and fills the gaps left by an overstretched public system. There is another where that same technology becomes the most intimate surveillance infrastructure ever built. Both futures are arriving simultaneously... And New Zealand is underprepared for either. The devices are already here. Wearable cardiac monitors, portable hormone tests, AI-powered cancer screening tools, and garments with textile-based sensors capable of medical-grade monitoring are moving from hospital wards to consumer shelves. As

healthcare systems strain globally, people are increasingly self-monitoring, generating continuous streams of biometric data. Your fitness tracker knows your resting heart rate, your stress response, your sleep disruptions. Your insurance company would very much like to know those things too.

New Zealand's Privacy Act was not designed with continuous biometric monitoring in mind, and it hasn't been updated to account for it.

Meanwhile, a parallel infrastructure is being assembled by the state. NZ Police now have access to over 5,000 cameras owned by businesses, coun-

By Agent EJ

Your body, their data: The merging of health tech and the surveillance state

cils, and government agencies, accessible by 4,000 officers on their smartphones, with at least three councils currently using facial recognition. Police have

acknowledged using BriefCam, which aggregates CCTV footage using facial recognition and licence plate tracking, compressing months of manual review into hours, alongside SearchX, an AI network-mapping tool, and Cellebrite, capable of extracting data from over 50 social media platforms from a single device. There is no legal framework in New Zealand specifically governing police use of AI, and the Algorithm Charter remains voluntary.

The pressure is sharpening. Health NZ currently carries around 8,000 vacancies, with the workforce gap projected to reach 25,000 healthcare professionals

by the early 2030s. Against that backdrop, health technology isn't a luxury, it's a coming necessity. But we are adopting surveillance infrastructure without legal guardrails, and health monitoring technology without data sovereignty protections.

Researchers have warned that New Zealand has already built the architecture for mass or targeted surveillance, and that without major intervention, no framework can engender public confidence that its use is fair or lawful. The same applies to health data. The infrastructure is being built now. We need answers before the architecture becomes permanent.

Call 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com

WHITIANGA and across the Coromandel

Trades & Services

Classifieds

THAMES VALLEY BASKETBALL ASSN

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 6pm Jack McLean Rec Centre, Thames All welcome to attend Contact R. Ruka 021 121 1953

WHITIANGA SENIOR CITIZENS

NOTICE OF THE 40TH

To be held on Monday 25 May 2026, at the Whitianga Town Hall at 12.00pm. A light luncheon will be provided.

Saturday 16 May 2026 at 10.30am WCST Rooms at 2 Cook Drive Whitianga

PNC4E invites all members and intending members to our AGM. New members and committee members are sought to continue this work. Contact: John 02202 69610

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

Thursday from 5.00pm-6.30pm or Wednesdays 11.00am-12.30pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga Only $25 for 10 lessons – automatic subscription to Mercury Bay Bridge Club Inc for the current year. Contact Ischelle Stevenson 021 060 8869 or email ischelle_stevenson@hotmail.com

DEATH NOTICES

Sunday 31st May 4.00pm Matarangi Fire Station

PUBLIC MEETING

You are warmly invited to view the exciting new concept plans and hear about the courageous next steps for the Whangamata Community Marae and Wellbeing Hub. All welcome. Nau mai, haere mai. Sunday 17th May 1pm. Whangamata Area School Gym.

An Interim Committee is to be voted in to set up the Constitution for a WASBRA Incorporated Society. Nominations are now called and all Simpsons Beach ratepayers are invited to Nominate, be Nominated, or support and vote for those you believe bring the skills to contribute to setting up a Constitution for our future. Further information, nomination forms and voting process are available by emailing Steph Shaw - see details below.

We trust we will have information to share and discuss on the Wastewater/Water Reticulation from Council and your participation is important as we work together to rebuild a strong, and transparent, WASBRA.

VOTING CLOSES ON MONDAY 18TH MAY 2026

Time is short so please contact Steph today.

Stephanie Shaw Committee Member, WASBRA Email: stephanie_cvs@hotmail.com

Sports

TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Get it On! Tournament, Friday 24 April

Church Services

C3 Church Whitianga Join Us – Expect Miracles! Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga

Trish’s Bible Gems

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081 Anglican Worship www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz

St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church 82 Albert St Whitianga (Opp Z) SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the familyFind peace and friendship. Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

9 hole Stableford

Tuesday 14 April

1, Kay Van Lubeck 21; 2, Kim Kelly 18; 3, Jan Stanely 17. 18 hole Nett

Saturday 18 April

1, Jay Sullivan 70; 2, Kath Hale 71; 3, Warrick Rogers 71; 4, Andrew Stokes 73.

9 hole Stableford

Tuesday 21 April

1, Dennis Rundle 20; 2, Sue McDonnell 23; 3, Anna McGuire 19. 18 hole Stableford

Thursday 23 April

1,Kath Hale 35; 2, Tony Anderson 35; 3, Connie Graham 32; 4, Phil Smith 32. 18 hole Stableford

Fred Watts Trophy – All Irons

Saturday 25 April

Mens: 1, Steve Hughes 35; 2, Mike McCann 34; 3, Fred Watts 33; 4, Rick Tawa 32.

Ladies: 1, Jenny Tawa 31; 2, Kath Hale 29; 3, Nat Hoskins

28.

9 Hole Nett

Tuesday 28 April

Div 1: 1, Norm Hammond 33; 2, Brian Fellows 33; 3, Annette Eltringham 36.

Div 2: 1, Frances Reid 32; 2, Jan Stanley 36; 3, Kay van Lubeck 36.

18 Hole Stableford

Thursday 30 April

1, John Fraser 42; 2, Gabrielle Tucker 36; 3, Terry Kingham 35; 4, Warrick Rogers 35.

9 hole Stableford

1, Shona Russell 22; 2, Jan Stanley 18; 3, Sue McDonnell 17.

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Cooks Beach Building Supplies Monthly Medal 9 hole Stableford

Thursday 7 May

1st Mark Bell Monthly medal winner

2nd Wayne Radonich

3rd Callum Murray

4th Jo Geoghegan

18 hole nett Saturday 9 May

1st Donna Dinsdale

2nd Danny Phillips

3rd Graham Harsant

4th John Thomson

5th = Bob Walker,Grant Webster 4BBB nett

Donna Dinsdale and Wayne Radonich

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB RESULTS

9 Hole Ladies Tuesday 5 May

Division 1 winners of the Stableford competition were: 1st Lee Rattray, 2nd Gaylene Imms

Division 2 winner: Sandy Gaskell, 2nd Judy Hindrup.

9 Hole Men: Stableford

Winners: Jeff Dixon (18) 2nd

Edwin Lyle (17) on a countback from Graeme Heathcote also with 17 points.

18 Hole Women

Wednesday 6 May

Matchplay scramble: Winner: Debbie Holmes, 2nd Di Andrew, 3rd Marg Maher.

Two’s: Gail Doughty

18 Hole Men: Oldies vs The Youngies

Scramble Stableford: Winner Mike Franklin (44), 2nd Patrick Gonthier (39) 3rd

Dom Szparagowski (38)

Best Gross: Don Szparagowski (73) Senior, Mike Franklin (86) Junior.

Twos: Dam Szparagowski & Kerry Allan.

The Oldies vs The Youngies is another hotly contested affair at MBGC. The assembled crew waited with baited breath for Men’s Captain, Kevin Smith to do the prizegiving, when he finally got to it, the clubhouse erupted as the Oldies were crowned champion, Vern Bahr, on receiving the trophy was elated laughing all the way back to his seat. Well done to the old(er) gentlemen.

9 Hole Men, Friday 8 May

Stableford winner: Patrick Gonthier (17) 2nd Edwin Lyle (16) 3rd John Bubb on countback.

Two’s: Graeme heathcote

Men’s Saturday Scramble, 9 May

Stableford winner: Steve Collins, Les Wallbridge & Rohit Ranchhod, all on 37 points.

Gross Snr: Mark Boe, Junior: Vern Bahr

Two’s: Rohit Ranchhod. And our visitor from Judgeford, Owen Newbould

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Thursday 7 May

It was the ladies night to shine! Winners: Cheryl Henderson, Lee Pudney and Betty Simpson

Runners Up: Maureen Lack and Sandie Morris.

Good Sports: Ray Rout, Lionel Lawrence and Pat Fisher.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 6 May

A good turn-out on the day saw Dave Colman and Ian Baumgren come through undefeated after 3 rounds in section play. A very closely contested play-off final ended with Ian sinking the black and taking the day’s honours over Dave.

Saturday 9 May

With 4 rounds completed in section play, Peter Schultz and Rob Reilly were the only

players left standing having achieved 3 wins each to meet up in the play-off final. A seesaw battle ensued with the lead changing hands a number of times but it was the experienced and wiley Peter who prevailed to take the day’s top prize. Doug Pascoe compiled a very good break of 23 but the High Break Jackpot was not struck.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB 1st Round of the Paku Pairs

Monday 4 May 1, Jenny Prince & Judy McKenzie 66.67; 2, Suze MacLean & Christine Meinhold 57.94; 3, Ngaire O’Brien & Lee Hughes 56.35.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Hahei Pairs

Tuesday 5 May

North South: 1, Bev Dickie and Ngaire O’Brien 58.50%; 2, Denise Knutson and Alison Tichbon 51.50%; 3, Robyn Hogg and Sue Gill 51.00%. East West: 1, Tia Ormsby and Don Barry 72.50%; 2, Angela Butterworth and Johanna Bonnar 55.00%; 3, Ann Scott and Natasha Courtney 47.00%.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Championship Pairs round 2

Wednesday 6 May North/South: 1, Giorgio Allemano & Robyn Hogg 64.3; 2, Val Dwight & Johanna Bonnar 52.1; 3, Hillary Scott & Geoff Jervis 51.5.

East/West: 1, Don Barry & Pete Hogg 61.9; 2, Rose Tegg & Terri Lipanovic 58.9; 3, Alan Drew & Chris Hilford 51.2.

Kaimarama Pairs round 1

Thursday 7 May 1, Rose Tegg & Ischelle Stevenson 64.3; 2, Bob Schibli & Faith Stock 60.3; 3, Tadek Gawor & Bryan Patterson 56.4.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

21 players this week, so 501 singles were played. Three players went through unbeaten in all four sets which necessitated a one game final. The players were, Rex Donaldson, Mike Gillett and Selwyn Whatarangi with Selwyn Whatarangi coming away with a good win with an 86 finish. Highest finish for the ladies was 55, scored by Karen McKenzie and for the men was 94, scored by Beau Hamilton. Two players scored 180’s this week and they were Rex Donaldson and Beau Hamilton.

Mercury Bay win against Hamilton

MERCURY BAY

FOOTBALL CLUB

Mercury Bay U7

Dolphins vs. Tairua

Mercury Bay U7s kicked off the season at home with a brilliant performance against Tairua. It was a fantastic team effort, with every player getting involved and giving their absolute best.

The growth in skill was already evident, as the team began passing and tackling—a great sign for such young players.

Players of the Day – Jack: for his outstanding tackling and persistent work rate and Tommy: for his top-drawer resilience and commitment to helping his teammates.

The MBAS Senior Boys football team drew with Rototuna High School

Keas Senior Boys 1-1. Both teams had their moments to add to their scores, but a draw was a fair result in the end in the second grading game of the season.

Special mention to Arlo Hert for his excellent shot stopping as usual, Hyodo Taniguchi for a great 80 minutes midfield effort, and Curtis Treherne for constantly causing problems down the left. Our lone goal scorer was Lui Yamada who was excellent up front.

JUNIOR GIRLS VS HAURAKI PLAINS

At the weekend, our Junior Girls played their first home game of the season, with a fantastic turnout of family and friends on the sidelines showing their support.

Mercury Bay came up against a strong and well-organised Hauraki Plains side, eventually going down 6–0. Hauraki Plains displayed excellent sportsmanship and took their opportunities well throughout the match.

Despite the result, Mercury Bay showed plenty of determination and fight, continuing to work hard from start to finish. While the goals didn’t come their way, the girls can be proud of their effort and overall performance against a quality opposition.

Jessica Allen was recognised by the Hauraki Plains team for her efforts, while Mercury Bay’s Player of the Day was awarded to Lucy JamesWhite.

THAMES VALLEY JUNIOR U13 (U13 EAST SIDE)

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Daniel

Whanga strode into town, but crept out Sports

The Whangamata lads looked big and confident as they warmed up. With 9 competition points to Mercury Bay’s 10 there was a position in the top three of the competition at stake as well as the Coastal Shield, the trophy indicating rugby supremacy on the eastern coast of Coromandel. Much was promised as the teams lined up for the kick off.

The visitors kicked off with Mercury Bay, playing from the town end, claiming the ball cleanly. They ran the ball back over several phases before winning a penalty which was kicked for the corner. The resultant maul was formed from the lineout with a try being scored in the corner. The kick off following this try had a similar result with Mercury Bay running the ball back well and seeming to have no difficulty breaking the defensive line. Shortly after the Mercury Bay right wing crossed in the corner, a try which he also converted; it was suddenly 14 – 0 and the game had hardly started.

The start indicated how the game was to proceed. Mercury Bay looked slicker and better drilled, easily breaking the line when on attack and in the for-

ward exchanges the home team won several Whangamata line outs and a few tight head scrums. An impressive performance really with a total of 6 try’s being scored in the first half by the home team who kept attacking right to the whistle. One great try was scored in the 36th minute with the ball being passed from a ruck on the right-hand side and the right wing

injecting himself into the backline and breaking through. When finally tackled a fine off load saw the left wing away to the corner. It should have been over for the half but no, from the kick off Mercury Bay ran it back and scored under the posts leaving the half time score 34-0.

I was still arranging our half time refreshments when the

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teams came out for the second half with Mercury Bay immediately attacking and scoring the first try of the half which they converted.

Two more tries were scored in the following minutes leaving the score at 53-0 before the Whangamata bomb squad started to have an effect. With a strategy based around physicality and advancing through people rather

than around them Whangamata had a strong 15 minutes of play scoring try’s which they converted to close the gap by 14 points. The game finished however with Mercury Bay’s tenth try, scored by right wing Colville Green with a great run down the right which he ran around to dot down under the posts. Colville had a great day, scoring several tries, converting five and hitting the posts twice. A great effort making him a crowd favourite but in reality, the entire team effort was appreciated by the crowd. The final score was 60 points to 14 which cements Mercury Bay’s top three position and makes them the holder of the Coastal Shield, until next time.